Stunning marquetry table for auction Sold £1,700

Lot 313.  This superb continental walnut oyster veneer table has just arrived at the saleroom in East Boldon.

A 19th century Italian oyster veneer and marquetry side table, with panels of marquetry to the top, below a marquetry inlaid single drawer, supported on barley twist legs and shaped uniting stretchers, W 96cm, D 61cm, H 70cm

For auction on Wednesday 7th August with an estimate of £500 - £800

Did you know?

Marquetry is the craft of applying pieces of veneer to a structure to form decorative patterns or designs.  The veneers used are usually wood, along with bone, ivory, turtle shell, mother of pearl, brass and pewter.

Oyster veneer is a decorative form of veneering which can be seen on this table and uses thin slices of wood branches or roots cut in cross-section, usually from small branches of walnut, olive, kingwood and less commonly laburnum and yew.  The resulting circular or oval pieces of veneer are laid side by side in furniture to produce decorative patterns.  Because the shape formed resembles an oyster shell the technique acquired the name of oyster veneering.  Developed by English cabinet makers in the 1660s the fashion became widespread across the continent before falling put of popularity from around 1710.