Large 18th Century Console Table with Lacquered and Gilded Wood

Details

Description

Large Louis XV console table in lacquered and gilded wood, with a faux-marble painted top and an ornate stretcher.

Mecca … Read more Large Louis XV console table in lacquered and gilded wood, with a faux-marble painted top and an ornate stretcher.

Mecca gilding is an Italian gilding technique: it consists of applying a silver leaf to the wood followed by gilding, the recipe for which was a closely guarded secret of the workshops, to achieve a finish with the appearance and preciousness of gold leaf.

Once considered "the poor man's gilding," furniture gilded using the Mecca technique is now highly sought after: the oxidation of the silver lends an elegant and refined nuance.

This Italian console table dates from the early 18th century and has been relacquered. It shows signs of wear consistent with age, some losses (gilding, lacquer, and wood), a few scratches on the top, and some old restorations.

Height: 99 cm
Dimensions: 178 x 75 cm See less