Aesthetic Movement Circular Ebonised ‘Gypsy Table’ in Designers Guild Purple Velvet
A velvet-topped flourish from the parlours of Victorian bohemia
Origin: England, late Victorian era (circa 1870–1900)
Movement: Aesthetic Movement - ‘art for art’s sake’ design philosophy
Material: Ebonised wood with gilded accents and turned tripod legs
Upholstery: Recovered in Designers Guild purple velvet with original studs
Design: Circular top, sculptural base with central ball convergence
Condition: Good antique condition - age-appropriate wear to ebonised finish
Dimensions: H: 60cm (23.6") | Diameter of rim: 56cm (22")
Delivery: Not included - Please use the Request Delivery Quote feature located next to the ‘Add to Basket’ tab before completing your order
This decorative Gypsy Table is a striking example of late Victorian design, crafted during the Aesthetic Movement - a cultural moment that championed beauty, whimsy, and ‘art for art’s sake’. Raised on hand turned tripod legs with gilded accents, the table’s sculptural base converges into a central ball, offering both balance and flair.
The circular top has been recovered in Designers Guild purple velvet, a rich and theatrical choice that echoes the table’s bohemian roots. Original studs line the edge, preserving its historic charm. These tables were often used for parlour games, palm readings, and tarot - rituals of curiosity and connection in more liberal Victorian homes.
Styling Notes
Pair with the matching Napoleon III armchair AG009 Antique Napoleon III Armchair recovered in Designers Guild purple velvet for a dramatic vignette in a reading nook or dressing room. Alternatively, style with a crystal lamp, antique cards, or a small vase of wildflowers to evoke its fortune-telling past. This is a piece that invites conversation, mystery, and a touch of theatrical elegance.
measurements
Height:
60 cm
Diameter:
56 cm
measurements
declaration
White’s Antiques has clarified that the Aesthetic Movement Circular Ebonised ‘Gypsy Table’ in Designers Guild Purple Velvet (LA543255) is genuinely of the period declared with the date/period of manufacture being circa 1870