George II oak japanned tea table with hinged fold-over top, four tapering legs, one of which swings out to support the flap, ending in pad feet. The entire surface of the table has been covered in the most incredible lacquered decoration in black, red and gilded motifs of pagodas, rocks, figures and water scenes.

The fold-over card or tea table was not introduced until the end of the 17th century. At this time card playing and gaming became a mania with huge sums of money at stake. This popularity of gaming created a wide demand for purpose made card tables. Throughout the 18th century tables with fold-over tops were made in pairs; one with polished top to act as a tea table, the other with the surface rebated to take a panel of needlework or a plain baize for gaming and might have been fitted with candlestick or counter wells. They were made in a plethora of designs and became more elaborate as time went on. Besides being made in many different woods, some were painted or japanned. Chinese lacquered furniture was extremely popular but it was very expensive and scarce. This demand led to the development of European "japanning" which was introduced in the mid-17th century in imitation of Oriental lacquer. Until early in the 18th century the output of fine English japanned work was limited to cabinet makers and decorators. In 1688, John Stalker and George Parker wrote a book on japanning called "Treatise of Japanning and Varnishing." This book was geared toward the amateur rather than the craftsman. They detailed in an easy manner instructions of varnishes to use, woods that were best suited, preparation of the whiting and parchment, layers, colors for groundwork, instruments to use, metal dusts, designs, etc. Amateur japanning became extremely popular for young ladies in early Georgian times and continued for quite some time..

English Table Circa 1740
Japanning Circa 1900
Height: 28" | Width: 32" | Depth: 14"
Item #6380

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