Japanned Center Table

The rectangular red japanned top above single drawer, the faces of the carcass of convex form above four scrolled legs connected by an x-frame stretcher terminating in bun feet. The table is constructed throughout in pine with oak linings to the drawer, and directly relates to a very well known “Bantam work” table at Ham House and commissioned by the Dysart Family, Earls of Lauderdale prior to the inventory of the house in 1679. The present table, as with the Ham House table illustrated here, would have been commissioned as part of a suite, including the table, a mirror and a pair of torchieres that would have occupied the space between two windows. Very few full sets survive and it is remarkable that the present table along with the Ham House example have survived in remarkably original condition. Although the feet have been sympathetically replaced, as is usual, the japanning remains remarkably untouched and the quality of the work is truly exceptional rivalling some Asian lacquer wo