Small Antique Merchant Table, 1900s

Details

Description

A beautiful antique naive, rustic, primitive Wabi Sabi style table, can be used as a small dining table or side … Read more A beautiful antique naive, rustic, primitive Wabi Sabi style table, can be used as a small dining table or side table / side table

Probably a bankers/ rent or merchants table from the late 18th century, beginning 19th C.
The piece has a beautiful patina that only time can create, a warm honey color with a soft gloss
Beautiful thick, solid fruit tree wood top, the legs are made of pine.
The table shows marks, dents and old woodworm holes ( not active) commensurate with its age and use, see photos

The distressed look and built up patina adds great character to the table.

Beautiful solid construction

This is a typical merchant's table given its size and drawer. The size was this to create a certain distance between the person paying and the recipient. The payment would go in the drawer and then the drawer would slide towards the recipient. The money was put in the drawer so the amount being paid was private.

These kinds of tables could be found in typical "Hanze steden"  in Europe and, for example, in the large merchant houses on the Amsterdam canals. They are very hard to find nowadays See less