The latest Interiors sale at Dreweatts of Donnington Priory included this 2ft 6in (77cm) wide coromandel and ivory marquetry centre or Communion table.
Its precise origins were unknown but the
presence of what is thought to be a southern European armorial
(possibly altered at a later date) suggests it was made in India
under Portuguese patronage.
The general consensus was that, while the
table was decorated in the manner of Vizagapatam work of the 18th
century and earlier, it was most probably made in the 19th century.
The provenance was listed as the White House, Marlborough.
Above: a detail of the armorial which
suggested the table was made in India under Portuguese
patronage.
A supremely decorative piece, and typical of
the exotic colonial furnishings that today command more interest
than their European counterparts, it improved upon its £5000-7000
estimate on September 5 to bring £16,000 (plus 24% buyer's
premium).
The buyer was from the London trade.
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