Thomas Chippendale Pembroke Table

View Similar Items

Chippendale mahogany Pembroke table.

George III Chippendale Period Pembroke Table

18th Century Pembroke Table after Chippendale

18th Century chippendale mahogany pembroke table

Baker Furniture Chippendale Carved Mahogany Pembroke Tea Table

Late 18th Century Pembroke Table After Chippendale Design

Baker Furniture Chippendale Carved Mahogany Pembroke Tables, Newly Refinished

19th Century Mahogany Pembroke Table With Chippendale-Style Legs

Baker Furniture Chippendale Carved Mahogany Pembroke Tea Table, Newly Refinished

Fine Antique 18th Century Chippendale Childs Mahogany Pembroke Table

American Chippendale Cherry Serpentine Pembroke. Circa 1770

English Georgian Chippendale Mahogany Double-Sided Pembroke Table, circa 1760

Want more images or videos?

Request additional images or videos from the seller

1 of 8

Thomas Chippendale Pembroke Table

About the Item

This highly important Pembroke table was crafted by the iconic Thomas Chippendale and is counted as one of the few rare examples made by his hand that are still in private hands. An unquestionable masterpiece, this mahogany and satinwood table also claims the important provenance of Paxton House, an estate born from a collaboration between Chippendale and Robert Adam, two of the most celebrated names in architecture and cabinetmaking. Paxton is considered amongst the greatest of Chippendale commissions, exhibiting both classic and opulent designs from the celebrated cabinetmaker. The present table would likely have been a central piece of furniture in the home’s drawing room, made by the great Chippendale, particularly for the space it occupied. While today Chippendale is celebrated as the greatest cabinetmaker of his era, and perhaps of all time, his business life was far from financially stable. Over anything, he valued perfection in his work, seeking exceptional quality in each and every one of his pieces and spending painstaking hours on even the most minute details. While this slowed his production and resulted in him dying penniless, the outcome was some of the most exquisite pieces of furniture ever constructed. This table is one such example. The incredible attention to detail, impeccable proportions and highest quality materials are evidence of Chippendale’s commitment to pursuing perfection. The mahogany would have been an enormous expense, with its flawless “crocodile” grain that is perfectly suited to the table. The delicately curved, slender legs are the epitome of grace and rest atop casters that make the table appear to float in its space. Even the drawer possesses a depth that spans the entire length of the table. The perfection of the table is only enhanced by its extraordinary provenance. Paxton House, an impressive estate in the Scottish Borders, was purchased in 1766 by Ninian Home from his cousin, who had recently inherited Wedderburn Castle a short distance away. Soon after acquiring the estate, Home commissioned Thomas Chippendale, at the very height of his popularity, to furnish the Neo-Palladian house in its entirety, from the bedrooms to the dining room and the drawing room, where this table was displayed. The resulting collection, most of which remains on view at Paxton House today, is a testament to the exceptional craftsmanship and lasting vision of Thomas Chippendale. Conceived in the fashionable French style, this Pembroke table embodies the very best characteristics of Chippendale’s distinctive design. The table’s serpentine lines and beautifully carved cabriole legs are classic Chippendale and can be seen in other designs from the same period. A pair of card tables and a chair crafted by Chippendale for Sir Lawrence Dundas’ drawing room at Dumfries House exhibit the same cabriole legs (ill. in The Life and Work of Thomas Chippendale, 1978, by C. Gilbert, pp.273-275). Another table by Chippendale’s hand at Dumfries House also features the same distinctively shaped top with its sinuous lines and butterfly wing flaps, an unusual style for the period. Considering the significant provenance of the piece, along with its very distinctive style, this Pembroke table is unquestionably by the hand of the great Chippendale. Taken together, the distinguishing characteristics of this remarkable piece are quintessential Chippendale down to the last detail. The talent and genius of Thomas Chippendale’s designs defined the furniture styles of the 18th century. His designs became so prominent and highly desirable during his lifetime that his entire style came to bear his name, a first in history that did not take the name of the reigning monarch. In 1754, he published The Gentleman and Cabinetmaker’s Director, which became the most important text on furniture design in its day. The book contained over 161 plates with an astounding range of furniture in the Gothic, Chinese and Rococo styles. Soon, this modest craftsman counted numerous members of nobility and society among his clientele, including Catherine II of Russia and famed actor David Garrick. He also obtained substantial contracts with the noble houses of Nostell Priory, Harewood House, Burton Constable, Ayrshire and Kent, some of which still house many of his finest pieces in their private collections. Today, the name Chippendale invokes images of refined taste and unparalleled elegance. It is no wonder masterpieces such as this rare Pembroke table are so treasured by collectors, circa 1775. 28” high x 28” deep x 38 1/2” wide (open). 28” high x 28” deep x 19 1/2” wide (closed). This important piece is recorded on page 22 of Inventory and Valuation of Furniture of Paxton House, 1828, by J. Veitch. The piece is illustrated in the drawing room of Paxton House, Country Life, by A. Rowan, August 1967. Provenance: Commissioned by Ninian Home for Paxton House, Berwickshire. Thence at Paxton House by family descent. References: The Life and Work of Thomas Chippendale, 1978, by C. Gilbert. Paxton House, Berwickshire II. Country Life, August 1967, by A. Rowan. Inventory and Valuation of Furniture of Paxton House, 1828, by J. Veitch.

Dimensions:
Height: 28 in (71.12 cm)Width: 38.5 in (97.79 cm)Depth: 28 in (71.12 cm)
Period:
Late 18th Century
Date of Manufacture:
circa 1775
Condition:
Seller Location:
New Orleans, LA
Reference Number:
Seller: 30-44171stDibs: LU89114168383