Oriental Side Table with Engraved Copper Top, 1900

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Description

A round side table in an orientalist style, European-made between 1900 and 1920, whose engraved copper top rests on a … Read more A round side table in an orientalist style, European-made between 1900 and 1920, whose engraved copper top rests on a simple wooden frame with curved legs. The combination of the densely ornamented top and the subtly structured base creates a formally balanced and clearly proportioned effect. Historical Context: In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, enthusiasm for oriental design found its way into European interior design. Furniture with engraved metal panels and Moorish-inspired ornamentation was favored in salons, smoking rooms, or gentlemen's studies, where a prestigious and decidedly atmospheric ambiance was desired. Tables of this type served as side or tea tables and combined imported or imitation metalwork with European frame constructions. Demand arose as a result of growing trade and increased interest in non-European design. Features – Engraved copper plate with surrounding bands of Arabic calligraphy, concentric ornamental zones, and a central star medallion – Base with open shelf and small, closed compartment with a turned knob. Design: The table belongs to the Orientalist furniture style of around 1900. The round copper plate is engraved across its entire surface and divided into several concentric ornamental zones, framed by a surrounding metal border. The wooden base, with its curved legs and frame, borrows from European design language and forms a calm counterpoint to the densely decorated top. The design follows a clear structure of decorative surface and supporting construction. Function: Originally, the table served as a decorative side or tea table in formally furnished living rooms. Today, it is suitable as a side table, storage unit, or accent piece next to seating; the small compartment offers additional storage space. Dimensions: Height 70 cm, Diameter 55 cm. Material and condition: Engraved copper plate on a solid wood base, stained dark. Preserved in keeping with its age, with visible patina and signs of wear on the metal surface, consistent with its historical character. Inspected, cleaned, treated appropriately, structurally checked, and restored to a stable and functional condition by Kastellan. See less