Images(5)

Tea Table

DateCa. 1770

OriginAmerica, Pennsylvania, Philadelphia

MediumMahogany

DimensionsOH: 28"; diam: 32"

Credit LineBequest of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph H. Hennage

Object number1990-305

DescriptionRound tea table, top with pie-crust carved edge supported by a square bird-cage mechanism with four baluster turned supports over a columnar pedestal with a compressed ball and ring turning and three foliate carved cabriole legs, scalloped on underside, with ball and claw feet
Label TextRound tea tables vied with rectangular ones for domination of the parlors of early America. The 1772 Philadelphia "Prices for Cabinet and Chair Work" included price options for round tea tables (succinctly named "tea tables" as oppposed to "square tea tables") that could include plain or claw feet, leaves on the knees, scalloped or plain tops, and plain, carved, or fluted pillars. This example has an expensive scalloped top, carved leaves on the knees, and claw feet. The bird cage mechanism under the top allows the top to fold up for storage and to rotatate around the pillar, permitting it to be stored either in a corner or against a wall.
ProvenanceHerman Clarke, Boston; Israel Sack; Charles K. Davis, Fairfield, Connecticut; Israel Sack; Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Hennage.

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