AN IRISH GEORGE II MAHOGANY SILVER TABLE

CIRCA 1740-60

Details

The moulded rectangular top and plain frieze above a pounced apron carved with foliate scrolls and strapwork, the sides centred by an acanthus spray, with a rosette at each end, on four slightly cabriole legs headed by foliate angles, terminating in paw feet, the top reveneered and with replacements to moulding
30 1/2 in. (77.5 cm.) high; 36 1/2 in (93 cm.) wide; 25 1/4 in. (64.5 cm.) deep
Provenance

Acquired from Reindeer Antiques, London.
Lot Essay

The table displays a range of carved motifs that are characteristic of Irish tables of the mid-18th century and set them apart from English counterparts. The frieze which is serpentine to its lower edge is carved with scrolled acanthus leaves, centred by a large scallop shell, and features distinctive rosettes to each end, the legs have further acanthus running down their angles and again, springing from the ankle, while the paw foot is typically squared. It corresponds closely to a table probably supplied to Dr. Richard Marlay, Bishop of Waterford, Celbridge, Co. Kildare, and thence by descent until sold Christie's, London 1 July 2004, lot 74 (£65,725 including premium), and another in the collection of the Knight of Glin, Glin Castle, Co. Limerick, sold Christie's, London, 7 May 2009, lot 116 (£73,250 including premium) (see The Knight of Glin and J. Peill, Irish Furniture, New Haven and London, 2007, p. 228, fig. 92 and p. 229, fig. 96). A side table with the same pattern of carving at Bloomfield House, Co Mayo, until 1924 was sold anonymously Christie's, London, 17 November 2016, lot 50 (£106,250 including premium).
The table is carved to the frieze with an ‘apotropaic’ or witches mark. This mark comes from a tradition dating as far back as around the 16th century, the term derived from Greek and intended to avert evil. The marks were usually scribed onto stone or woodwork near a building’s entrance points, particularly doorways, windows or fireplaces, to offer protection against witches and evil spirits.