Portuguese Rosewood Library Table, 19th c.

Portuguese Rosewood Library Table
Mid-19th century

The solid rosewood top formed from a single plank with a gadrooned edge above two drawers with raised cushion fronts framed by intricate dentil molding, the reverse with matching false drawers allowing the table to stand freely within a room. Raised on exuberantly turned legs joined by a deep barley-twist box stretcher terminating in boldly turned feet.

Portuguese furniture of the nineteenth century often embraced a more vigorous approach to turning than much contemporary English work, and this table is a particularly strong example of that tradition. The heavily modeled legs, dense turning, and barley-twist stretcher contribute significantly to its character.

The rosewood displays rich color and figuring throughout. The use of a single-plank top further distinguishes the table and reflects the quality of the timber selected for its construction.

I’ve always liked tables like this because, in spite of their size, they seem to work almost anywhere. They’re just as convincing in an old-world interior as in a completely modern one. I’m always pleased when I see one in a room.