Monday, August 5, 2013

Chippendale in 18th century!

 
No, I'm not talking about Chippendales that one can find in Las Vegas.  I'm talking about Thomas Chippendale, the genius cabinet maker in 18th century in England.  This particular table was offered by Sotheby's auction house last month.  It originally came from Harewood House in Leeds, Yorkshire.  Don't let the word 'house' mislead you as this house is probably as big as your local library!  Harewood is rather significant as the interior was designed by famed architect Robert Adam, the furnishing was done by Thomas Chippendale (the largest commission of his lifetime), and the landscape was laid out by the most famous 18th century landscape architect in England Capability Brown.

But enough about the house, let's talk about the this magnificent George III fruitwood, tulipwood, marquetry and giltwood pier table.  In case you don't know what a pier table is, it is basically a low table that sits between two windows and typically there would be pier glass above the table.  I just love the color of the table.  It feels very warm and inviting.  I can see it sitting in front of a deep gray colored wall in the entrance area of a 5th avenue apartment.  I would just love to have this neoclassical pier table greet me daily as I walk into my apartment!  Unfortunately I do not have the budget to acquire this museum worthy furniture (the mate to this table is still at Harewood)....it was last sold for close to 600k to a lucky bidder!
  

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