Vintage Mahogany Parquetry & Ormolu "Trompe l'oeil" Centre Table 20th C

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This is an  exquisite vintage mahogany Regency Revival  parquetry 'trompe l'oeil' centre table,  dating from the second half of the 20th Century.

The table is supported with a single central stem of hand carved mahogany with exquisite gilded decoration, and it is raised on three decorative ormolu scroll feet.

It is suitable for a reception or entrance hall, whatever its function, it will make a profound impression on your  guests and will receive the maximum amount of attention wherever it is placed.
 

Condition:

In excellent condition, having been cleaned and polished, please see photos for confirmation.

Dimensions in cm:

Height 75.5 x Width 108 x Depth 108

Dimensions in inches:

Height 2 foot, 6 inches x Width 3 foot, 6 inches x Depth 3 foot, 6 inches

Parquetry -
is a geometric mosaic of wood pieces used for decorative effect. The two main uses of parquetry are as veneer patterns on furniture and block patterns for flooring. Parquet patterns are entirely geometrical and angular—squares, triangles, lozenges. 

The word derives from the Old French parchet (the diminutive of parc), literally meaning "a small enclosed space". Large diagonal squares known as parquet de Versailles were introduced in 1684 as parquet de menuiserie ("woodwork parquet") to replace the marble flooring that required constant washing, which tended to rot the joists beneath the floors. Such parquets en lozange were noted by the Swedish architect Daniel Cronström at Versailles and at the Grand Trianon in 1693.

Timber contrasting in color and grain, such as oak, walnut, cherry, lime, pine, maple etc. are sometimes employed; and in the more expensive kinds the richly coloured mahogany and sometimes other tropical hardwoods are also used. 

Trompe-l'œil - English spelling trompe l'oeil - is an art technique that uses realistic imagery to create theoptical illusion that depicted objects exist in three dimensions. Forced perspective is a comparable illusion in architecture.

Though the phrase originates in the Baroque period, when it refers to perspectival illusionism, trompe-l'œil dates much further back. It was (and is) often employed in murals. Instances from Greek and Roman times are known, for instance in Pompeii.

is probably one of the largest ‘families’ of hardwood, having many different varieties within its own species.

Mahogany has been used for centuries in ship building, house building, furniture making etc and is the core structure of just about every 19th century vanity box, dressing case or jewellery box. It became more of a Victorian trend to dress Mahogany with these decorative veneers, such as Rosewood, Kingwood, Burr Walnut and Coromandel, so that the actual Mahogany was almost hidden from view.

Mahogany itself is a rich reddish brown wood that can range from being plain in appearance to something that is so vibrant, figured and almost three dimensional in effect. 

Although Mahogany was most often used in its solid form, it also provided some beautifully figured varieties of veneer like ‘Flame’ Mahogany and ‘Fiddleback’ Mahogany (named after its preferred use in the manufacture of fine musical instruments).

Cuban Mahogany was so sought after, that by the late 1850′s, this particular variety became all but extinct.
 

Ormolu - (from French 'or moulu', signifying ground or pounded gold) is an 18th-century English term for applying finely ground, high-carat gold in a mercury amalgam to an object of bronze.The mercury is driven off in a kiln leaving behind a gold-coloured veneer known as 'gilt bronze'.

The manufacture of true ormolu employs a process known as mercury-gilding or fire-gilding, in which a solution of nitrate of mercury is applied to a piece of copper, brass, or bronze, followed by the application of an amalgam of gold and mercury. The item was then exposed to extreme heat until the mercury burned off and the gold remained, adhered to the metal object.

After around 1830 because legislation had outlawed the use of mercury other techniques were used instead. Electroplating is the most common modern technique. Ormolu techniques are essentially the same as those used on silver, to produce silver-gilt..

Our reference: 05492

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Write to us: Regent Antiques Manor Warehouse 318 Green Lanes London N4 1BX	By Underground: Take Piccadilly line to Manor House station. Go to top of escalators and turn left. Take exit 7 and walk straight on for 10 metres. Manor Warehouse is on the right.
	By road: There is car parking available on site.

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Bank details: Regent Antiques - BBVA - Account: 05701615 - Sort: 23-59-11

Shipping and returns

We ship worldwide.

Postage and packing for:

 Mainland UK: £75.00

 European Union: Postage and packing charges upon request

  North America: Postage and packing charges upon request  (Please note that this is in Pounds Sterling, not US Dollars)

  Rest of world: Postage and packing charges upon request

If you require shipping to a location for which a shipping charge is not provided, please ask for a quote prior to bidding.

Williams and Hill Forwarding is our preferred shipping agent for our valuable and fragile furniture items delivered within the UK.

After you purchase, we will make all the arrangements to get your item to your door.

Stephen Morris Shipping is our preferred specialist for delivery outside of the UK.

Increased shipping costs incurred when purchasing additional items are generally quite low.

For the best value, we recommend offsetting this cost by purchasing multiple items.

We require that someone be home on the agreed delivery day if applicable, otherwise a redelivery fee will apply.

In accordance with Distance Selling Regulations, we offer a 14-day money back guarantee if you are not satisfied with the item.

The item must be returned in its original packaging and condition.

Unless the item is not as described in a material way, the buyer is responsible for return shipping expenses.

Buyers are fully responsible for any customs duties or local taxes that may be incurred on items sent outside of the United Kingdom, and we are not responsible for any delays in shipping or in the customs procedures of any jurisdiction, which are completely beyond our control.

Please be advised that claims for damage with certain carriers can sometimes take several months to resolve, and we would be grateful for your patience and cooperation throughout the process.

Returns will be processed and refunds issued within 2-3 business days of receipt.