J. Darmanin & Sons Furniture

The double serpentine form top made of various specimen marbles and inlaid with the armorial for the Baker family of County Tipperary, with motto "Hono Virtutis Satelles" surrounded by panels of sea shells. Signed. On a later ebonized base. Note some wear to painted surface of base. The top was made by the best known marble working firm in 19th century Malta, J. Darmanin and Sons, who traded from about 1800-1880s and exhibited at several international exhibitions including the Great...

The Specimen Pietra Dura Marble Armorial Top By Joseph Darmanin of Malta The shaped circular top finely inlaid with the arms of General Robert Edward King, 1st Viscount Lorton (1773-1854), masterfully executed in pietra dura and specimen marbles upon a fossil-rich yellow marble ground. The inlaid work is of exceptional delicacy, having all the hallmarks of the greatest heraldic tops by the famous makers, including the use of delicate shaded marbles. The richly carved base, unmistakably Irish in conception and executed in dense, darkly patinated mahogany, is by Strahan of Dublin, one of the foremost cabinetmakers of his day. The double C-scrolled tripartite base enriched with carved flowers leading to the acanthus clasped pedestal support, on brass hidden castors. The frame stamped 'Strahan' and retaining its original paper label from Strahan's Henry Street workshop. The underside of the marble top equally bearing its original trade label of 'J. Darmanin & Sons […] Malt.' The base, Irish, circa 1835 The top, Maltese, circa 1830 Provenance Commissioned by General Robert Edward King, 1st Viscount Lorton Originally housed in the Billiard Room at Rockingham House, Co. Roscommon By descent through the King-Harman family Lady Dunn Thence by descent Private Collection, UK Dimensions: H: 29 in / 74 cm Dia: 38 in / 97 cm This table was most likely acquired by Lord Lorton on one of his Grand Tours-either in 1825 or 1836-aligning with Darmanin's transition to "& Sons." The Irish base, dated slightly later, suggests the top was mounted upon return, a common practice for souvenirs of elite European travel. The table remained at Rockingham House until its mid-20th-century demolition, a rare survivor from what was once considered John Nash's finest classical house in Ireland. J. Darmanin & Sons of Malta The renowned 'Marble Workers Darmanin' were Malta's leading marble craftsmen in the 19th century. They excelled in creating 'Monumental and Mosaic Slabs and other Decorative Artworks,' notably mosaic table tops...