Antique Victorian New Zealand Specimen Wood Marquetry Table by Anton Seuffert

A fine New Zealand specimen wood marquetry occasional card table by Anton Seuffert, raised on a tripod base. The circular top is decorated with finely executed inlaid geometric indigenous New Zealand specimen wood marquetry centred on a radiating multi-pointed starburst design. Carefully arranged contrasting native timbers create a layered symmetrical pattern, framed by concentric banding and a parquetry outer border. The tabletop dates to circa 1880, which can be identified from the label signed Anton Seuffert. Before 1869 the labels were signed Seufert with one “f”, so we know it must be later than this. William Seuffert also began working to his highest level during his late teens into the late 1870s, and the business label changed in 1882 to Anton Seuffert and Sons, placing the likely date range for this tabletop between 1875 and 1882, thus circa 1880. The table retains the maker’s printed label to the underside of the top, although the top corner of the label is covered by the join of the leg support. The label reads “By Appointment Cabinetmaker to the Duke of Edinburgh, Elliot Street Market Entrance, Auckland”, together with the wording “Inlaid Work with New Zealand Woods.” The piece is also stamped A. Seuffert. The initials show an alteration where the “A” for Anton has been crossed out and a “W” written above, suggesting that Anton’s son William either assisted in the making of this piece (the family often worked together on many pieces) or that William completed the piece himself. Previously only two known furniture examples were recorded as being signed by William, and this example appears to represent a newly identified third. The tripod base is later, dating from the late Victorian to early Edwardian period. Many examples of these tables are known with bases of uncertain origin, as some of the tops were sold separately to travellers returning to England or Australia. Transporting the tops on their own would have been considerably easier than shipping the entire table, and once at their destination they could easily be matched with a locally manufactured base. A letter from Anton Seuffert to a customer in 1867 describes the need to seal these tops in solid zinc containers to ensure safe transport across the long sea voyage from New Zealand to England, which could take approximately three months on a good passage. About Anton Seuffert Anton Seuffert (1815–1887) and his three sons William, Albert, and Carl are widely regarded as among the most important cabinetmakers working in New Zealand during the 19th century. Anton trained in Vienna within the prestigious firm of Carl Leistler & Sons, and worked on significant decorative commissions including the interiors of the Liechtenstein Stadtpalais, as well as exhibits shown at the Great Exhibition of 1851 in London. After emigrating to Auckland in 1859, Anton Seuffert established a workshop producing finely made furniture incorporating native New Zealand timbers. His work gained international recognition, most notably through a celebrated secretaire cabinet made entirely from indigenous New Zealand woods, which was presented to Queen Victoria at the 1862 International Exhibition in South Kensington. This piece is now held within the Royal Collection and is regarded as one of the finest examples of colonial furniture craftsmanship. William Seuffert William Seuffert (1858–1943) was the eldest son of Anton. When he was just three months old the family set off on their voyage from England to Auckland, New Zealand, a journey which took 95 days by ship. William was trained in the cabinetmaking and marquetry craft by his father and developed a level of skill that was recognised within the family business. By 1882, the Wayte Auckland Directory and advertisements for the Seuffert inlaid works refer to the firm as A. Seuffert and Son, indicating William’s formal involvement in the business. At this time William would have been 24 years old and is presumed to have been thoroughly trained by his father in the craft of specimen wood marquetry and cabinetmaking. Dimensions Height – 73.5 cm (28.94 in) Width – 59 cm (23.23 in) Depth – 59 cm (23.23 in) Delivery Free delivery is included within UK mainland. We are happy to arrange international delivery. Please contact us for a shipping quotation before purchase.