I acquired this rare Australian table years ago, 2004, about the time a grilled cheese sandwich in the US, resembling Jesus sold for $28,000.
I thought what the?
I saw an Aboriginal elder inside a piece of Australian cedar!
I had Russell Winnell photograph the table in great detail and featured at a Sydney antique fair. I returned to Melbourne and forgot about until now.
Take a close look and tell me what you think?
A unique 19th Century Australian cedar and blackwood tilt top breakfast or dining table.
The well patinated circular tilt top above a turned support and lower turned finial resting on carved cabriole legs with claw feet and the original brass and porcelain castors.
H: 2’ 5” – 73 cm
C: 3’ 12” – 120 cm
Note: The underside of the top revealing a section of knotted grain giving the impression of the side facial profile of an Aboriginal male elder.
The shaped top rail, above a fret carved tapered centre splat, flanked by shaped tapered uprights.
The freshly upholstered soft mint chenille seats blending beautifully.
Resting on a square leg, joined by stretchers.
This set of chairs were very tired, so we cleaned back the surface and refinished them in a soft white.
Would never dream of doing this to a period chair, however this method of restoration has vastly improved these.
These chairs would look fantastic with a period french fruitwood farmhouse table.
The last set I sold through a decorator in 2009.
These chairs also featured in a home I dressed in Elwood 2009.
To see the story of the Elwood home, search ‘Elwood’ on this website.
Above is a one off set of 19th Regency period watercolours of Indian birds, in Kamataka, Southwest India.
Dated 1828
Also, my favourite 17th Century botanical engraver, Hendrick Draakestein 1686.
A Rare and Unusual Retro Book-Matched Figured Walnut Central Joined Adjustable Nest of Tables on turned tapered legs. The circular tops having the original coloured formica edging.
