A George IV Period Rosewood Library Table with Carved Lions Paw Feet

A George IV Period Rosewood Library Table with Carved Lions Paw Feet English Circa 1820- 1830 This handsome table would have been commissioned for a grand library or study. The overhanging top has rounded corners and the frieze below echoes this detail. Likewise the turned stretcher which joins the two end supports is another feature with pronounced curves. By contrast the end supports themselves are made up largely of squared corners and straight lines but they are enlivened considerably by beautifully carved winged lions paw feet and, most noticeably, lotus flower carving to the base of each support. In the frieze of the piece are two drawers with their original patinated turned wooden handles having faux drawers to the opposing side enabling this library table to stand freely within the room. The rosewood veneers utilised throughout this piece are of extremely high quality and of fine figure, particularly those utilised on the drawer fronts and the top which have very distinctive grain. The maker has chosen to use grain with an obvious chevron-type figure on each corner of the frieze which shows a great attention to detail. This level of detail is also demonstrated by the multiple mouldings utilised on the block parts of the end supports (the sections where the feet join the table). The tops of these sections are half domed and then finished with raised central sections and all of this additional detail shows the hand of a master designer and a very talented maker. Surviving library and writing tables usually have leather inserts in the tops and a fully veneered example such as the present piece is somewhat more unusual. This attractive and practical table is a fine example of its kind and the quality of timber used and style of decoration suggests the work of a firm such as Gillows of Lancaster.