A mid-17th centuy Portuguese, Brazilian rosewood centre table

1650 to 1700 Portugal

This handsome table is unusual as it has more Dutch influenced features than traditional Portuguese tables of the period. The use of ripple moldings around the friezes and drawers is a typical Dutch inspired feature used in Portuguese cabinet making.

The two upper, turned discs at the top of the legs and the turnings on the stretchers are characteristically Portuguese but, unusually, the main bulbous turning on the legs is similar to those found on Dutch furniture of the period. The use of pierced brass mounts and Brazilian rosewood is also quintessentially Portuguese. 

The rosewood planks on the top have finely configured grain and are faced with a moulded edge. The frieze is fitted with a pair of working drawers on the both sides and a pair of false drawers on each end, all faced with ripple moulding. The 18th century continental brass handles are recent replacements and the locks have been removed.

The legs have typical bold turnings joined by turned stretchers and the blocks with traditional pierced brass mounts. On bun feet. The table has been repolished and has a rich hue and patina. 

A similar example is illustrated, World Furniture, 1965, pl. 368. 

Dimensions

This object is eligible for a Certificate of BADA Provenance