Single Plank Oak and Walnut Wood Refectory Table from Spain, 18th Century

A beautifully crafted wooden table from Spain, the walnut was hand-carved at the end of the Renaissance (in the 1600’s). As is the case with most Spanish Renaissance tables, the 1 ½” thick single plank top rests upon tightly turned legs. The edges of the top do not have molding or carvings but receive added character from the large dovetail grooves that were used to construct the table. This table has framing beneath the top plank which houses three horizontally aligned drawers. Each drawer façade has an iron escutcheon in the shape of shield with two engrailed top edges. The keyplate is set within a foliate margent that is surrounded by several layers of molding. Identical carvings and iron plates can be seen on the opposite side of the table, which has faux drawer fronts. Beneath the belt are four turned legs connected by an H-stretcher. Our 17th century Spanish walnut table...

In French, arbalete means “crossbow” and is typically used to describe the shape of furniture when the frontage has been carved in a sinuous manner. When the profile is viewed from above, it resembles the European Medieval crossbow. In the case of this walnut commode from Provence, the form is double arbalete. Two iron swag handles are affixed to each of the three stacked drawers by parted shell mounts. In between the pulls is a sinuous plate that surrounds a keyhole. Each drawer maintains the arbalete structure created by the thinly molded top. The apron is highly shaped, with many small arbaletes strung together. In the center is a gadrooned leaf and floret medallion surrounded by volute scrolls. The sides are straight but consist of recessed rectangular panels with asymmetrical tops...

Walnut Refectory table with Iron Stretcher and Harp Legs

This is a spectacular late 18th century table made from solid walnut. The top is 2 plank and has the most amazing figuring throughout with elements of burr and strong grain. The plan...