Hardstone and Rosewood Centre Table Attributed To Gillows

This remarkable rosewood centre table attributed to legendary firm Gillows showcases masterful craftsmanship and stunningly rare hardstone specimens. The table's base is ornately crafted, complete with lion's paw feet, emphasizing the quality of the wood. The most impressive element of this beautiful piece of furniture, however, is the exquisite inlaid table top. Featuring eighteen semi-precious and hardstone specimens artfully arranged in alternating geometric shapes, rare stones like gem quality Lapis Lazuli, Egyptian porphyry and Siberian amethyst dazzle the eye. Other stones and specimens inlaid in square, circle and hexagon shapes include Pyrite Lapis Lazuli, Malachite, Green Aventurine, Agate of Amethyst, Greek Spartan Porphyry, Labradorite, Fossilized Wood, Occhio di Pavone, Brèche verte d'Égypte, Sicilian Jaspers, Blood Stone, Spanish Brocatelle, Siena Brocatelle, Convent Siena and Nero Antico. The sheer variety and superb quality of these features is an overwhelming visual delight and a triumph of craftsmanship.

Hardstone pieces such as this were popular among the British aristocracy during the 19th century, as they displayed the wealth and worldly knowledge of those that owned them. Such hardstones were often acquired by those participating in their Grand Tour of Europe. They would be brought back to England and incorporated into some of the finest furnishings of the period.

Founded in 1730 by Robert Gillow, the Gillows firm operated successfully as a family-owned business well into the 19th century. Gillows was especially noted for their quality of workmanship and innovative designs. No other firm in the country had managed to gain as far-reaching and prestigious a level of patronage as that of the Gillows firm, which was especially popular with the English nobility and with powerful religious figures throughout the country. Clients included the Earls of Wilton, the Duke of Norfolk, the Earl of Surrey and the Archbishop of York. The powerful elegance and exquisite design of this table coupled with the exceptional rarity of its hardstone specimens is simply remarkable. This rosewood centre table is a museum-quality masterpiece.

28 7/8" high by 42 1/2" wide by 25 1/4" deep