Sorento Marquetry Tripod Table
Sorento Marquetry Tripod Table
A tripod table made in Sorrento from various different timbers inlaid onto a walnut base.
The highly decorative top has a motif of George and the Dragon to the centre. The top tilts, to save space when not in use and further show off the design, by removing a fishtailed wooden wedge. The turned column is also inlaid, as are the shaped legs. Parts of the column are ebonised to contrast with the rest of the table.
Written to the underside of the top is 6000 to 7000 pieces of inlay along with a stencil of the initials F.L. which are likely to refer to the maker or workshop.
The round, tilt top unscrews from the turned column with the shaped legs also dismantling once the finial and cap below are removed. This table was made to come apart for the ease of transport home, rather than to be set up and dismantled by an officer moving from camp to camp. Sorrento had a booming industry in the 19th century making items for visitors on the Grand Tour to take home. Many of the items were small and easy to carry such as boxes, paper knives and picture frames but we have also had items specifically made for travel such as Brighton Bun Candlesticks.
A useful size as a centre table for a hallway etc. Italian, mid 19th Century.
Dimensions:
Mid 19th Century
Walnute and various woods
Italy
FL
Sorrento Ware
Good. Roundel for finial replaced.
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