18th Century Antique English Chippendale Period Mahogany Card Games Table

Characterized by the French-inspired cabriolet legs, this rare card table is a simple exquisite example of the wealth of perspective that was considered in designing a piece. The simple mahogany top is a rich selection with a dense grain that glows in the polished patina of the single plank.

Typical of the form, the back leg swings outward on knuckle joints to allow the top to flip over on original brass hinges to reveal an early worn baize card playing surface. The simple rounded edge and restrained approach to decoration speak to the taste of the original owner of the table, clearly someone with a well developed taste for the latest forms but with a more conservative eye for surface decoration.

Though richly carved, the table is one that unwraps slowly and does not cry out for attention: the simple applied pierced-fretwork is highly effective but almost disappears into the mahogany background; the anthemion carvings of the rounded knees are exceptional and exhibit a precise and practiced hand, but the richness of the carving is almost lost unless focused upon.

Perhaps the most striking design element of the table is the treatment of the feet, which are distinctly Rococo with the exaggerated French scrolled toe; these are raised over integral stumps with gentle fluting around them, the scroll highlighted by spurls of acanthus foliage.

Measurements: 27 3/4” H x 32 3/4” W x 32 1/4” D [opened]; 32 3/4” W x 16 1/4” D [closed]

Condition Report:
Old baize with discolorations, holes and wear. Top of table with some color variation where an object likely covered it for a long period of time. Minor scuffs and wear. Spot of veneer patch to reverse beside the gating leg. Some loss to the pierced fretwork. *table may present slightly darker in person than the images, which were shot under bright light.*

About silla antiques & art
Established in 2009, we have available in our 9000 square foot brick-and-mortar gallery an ever-changing selection of carefully curated and catalogued furniture, decorative arts, paintings, sculpture and estate jewelry. Our company has long specialized in sculpture circa 1860 through 1930 and as such the gallery always has a very large collection of exceptional European and American sculpture available on display. 

The gallery is located at 117 W Burd Street in Shippensburg, Pennsylvania and is open by appointment only. We welcome your visit and would love to meet with you at the shop. For clients located outside of the area, we are always available to discuss items by video conferencing or by phone.