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RICHARD REDDING ANTIQUES |
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RICHARD REDDING ANTIQUES |
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A very fine Restauration specimen marble, semi-precious stone and mahogany gueridon, the circular mahogany top inlaid with a variety of semi-precious stones and marbles centred by a circular framed image of a bird on a cherry tree and a butterfly, on a gadrooned baluster column on hipped tripod splayed legs terminating in gilt lion paw caps and castors The table: French, probably Paris; the inlaid top: Italian, probably Rome, date circa 1820-30 Height 76 cm, diameter of top 68 cm. This very elegant specimen table combines the arts of France and Italy. The intricate semi-precious stones and marble top is typical of the work of the Italian marmisti or marble workers. It was probably made in Rome for although Florentine and Nepalese craftsmen produced similar work the best pieces were made by the Roman workers such as Francesco Sibilio who flourished as a marble craftsman and merchant during the 1820’s and 30’s. The revival of this craft during the eighteenth and early nineteenth century followed excavations of ancient marbles and was encouraged by the influx of wealthy foreigners on the Grand Tour who were eager to purchase such specimen works. It is likely that the top was acquired by a European gentleman or lady while on the Grand Tour who then commissioned a more local French ébéniste to make the surrounding top and supports. |