Italian Walnut Burl Gueridon with Inlay of St. George and the Dragon, 1880

Details

Description

Round Walnut Burl Coffee Table with Inlay of Saint George and the Dragon, a piece of furniture distinguished by its … Read more Round Walnut Burl Coffee Table with Inlay of Saint George and the Dragon, a piece of furniture distinguished by its intricate workmanship and the quality of its materials. This classically styled piece likely harks back to 19th-century European art (often Italian or English) or is inspired by the Neo-Renaissance/Eclectic movement. The tabletop is the true protagonist of the piece, featuring a rich walnut burl decoration, recognizable by its characteristic tormented and "eye-catching" grain that creates a deep, marbled effect. At the center stands a fine boxwood inlay depicting Saint George and the Dragon, a classical iconography symbolizing the victory of good over evil. The central figure is enclosed in a thin circular frame, with four "cardinal point" floral motifs reminiscent of Baroque or Renaissance styles. The perimeter of the tabletop features a relief-carved band with foliage motifs (acanthus), lending depth and visual importance to the structure. The frame is richly turned and carved. It features a central bulb decorated with pods and acanthus leaves, ensuring solidity and aesthetic continuity with the rest of the piece. The table rests on a three-legged base decorated with scroll carvings and ending with curled or "paw" feet, typical of artistic cabinetmaking. The three-legged shape is not only elegant, but also ensures excellent stability on uneven surfaces. In good condition, despite minor losses to the burl on the top, consistent with a late 19th century date.

Period: 1880
Height: 75 cm
Diameter: 49 cm See less