By Maitland Smith
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Maitland-Smith Neoclassical Pedestal with Marbled Agateware-Style Lacquer
A striking Neoclassical display pedestal by Maitland-Smith, handmade in the Philippines during the late 20th century. Its tall, architectural form is covered in a richly patterned, hand-decorated lacquer finish recalling the swirling surfaces of European agateware and French Aputware pottery.
The decorative treatment combines a warm amber-gold ground with irregular brown and umber lines arranged in concentric, rippling patterns. Changing direction from one panel to another, the design suggests sections cut from marbled clay, dramatically figured root wood, or geological strata. Multiple layers of clear lacquer give the surface depth and a luminous, almost glazed appearance.
This finish relates visually to terre mêlée, or “mixed earth,” the technique associated with Aptware pottery...
Category
Late 20th Century Philippine Neoclassical Lacquered Tables