Images(5)

Tea table

Dateca. 1770

OriginAmerica, Pennsylvania, Philadelphia

MediumMahogany throughout

DimensionsOH: 28 3/4"; O.Diam: 32 1/2"

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

Object number1991-82

DescriptionTea table, round top with piecrust edge; top supported by a birdcage mechanism composed of two square blocks joined by four short balusters around a fluted columnar pedestal; three legs with foliate carved knees and 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 a scalloped top, fluted pillar, leaves on the knees, and claw feet. As such, it would have cost about L6 in mahogany. 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.

The carving on this table may be the work of an unidentified carver known today as the "Garvan Carver".
InscribedNo
MarkingsNo
ProvenanceDescended in the family of William Dunn (founder of Dunnston, PA).
Joe Kindig, Jr., & Son, York, PA

Exhibition(s)