Country Chippendale
Tea Table
..Bold Curly Maple Top
..Great! Marlborough Legs   

New England, circa 1750–1780.

A rare and especially fine example of 18th-century New England country craftsmanship, this compact tea table showcases the refined simplicity of rural Chippendale furniture.

The highly figured octagonal tiger maple top—crafted from a single board—has a rich patina with a soft, complex, varnish surface. The top overhangs in just the right proportion, joined to the apron with a mix of large wooden pegs and iron nails, and a hand-cut screw.

The table stands confidently on four long, deeply molded Marlborough legs—some of the best you’ll encounter—joined to the pit-sawn apron with classic mortise and tenon construction, secured by large, hand-carved wooden pegs. The legs and apron retain remnants of bittersweet paint over black, all well-worn and patinated, and mellowed by time.

Diminutive--can be placed almost anywhere--top measuring about 20 ½ inches by 30 ½; 28 inches tall. Fine condition; minor expected imperfections. Stands tall, straight, and full of character. A label underneath reads “Olivia Preston”.

I seldom acquire furniture—yet this table was so good it called my name.