Magnificent 17th Century Dutch Marquetry Centre Table

This is an exceptional 17th Century Dutch centre table of wonderful golden colour and patina that really glows. It's in very good original condition retaining the square cut tapering legs and shaped stretcher with only the bun feet to the base being later replacements. Having beautifully cut marquetry throughout especially to the top, using multiple woods including the stained green Harewood and bone for the small white Jasmin flowers. The jasmin flowers and green leaves seem to feature on many of the best quality pieces from this early period and were used by Gerrit Jensen who was cabinet maker to the king and his fellow countryman Jan Van Makeren. Amongst the incredible array of flowers and foliage it is interesting note the number birds and even a butterfly to the top, in fact every time I look I seem to notice something else. The drawer runs smoothly and retains its original oak linings. Similar pieces can be seen in the Rijksmuseum, in which currently they are engaged in a project to investigate the construction methods used for 17th Century cabinets and tables decorated with Marquetry in the form of flower bouquets such as those by Jan Van Makeren, the best known Dutch cabinetmaker of the day. An impressive Dutch Masterpiece.