Regency Coffee Table In Robinia With Reversible Cork. 17th Century

Regency coffee table in robinia with reversible cork. Interesting and rare Regency coffee table, made of robinia—also called false acacia—a noble, rustic species that is extremely rare in 18th-century furniture. Very dense, difficult to carve, but naturally resistant to insects, humidity, and deformation, robinia is rot-proof and allows for a very fine polish, giving this table a warm patina with satin highlights. The table rests on four curved legs decorated with carved falls of a symbolic motif: two facing foliage forming a heart, topped with a stylized flame, from which descends a spray of flowers. This decoration, typical of the vocabulary of love, suggests a commission for a wedding. The apron, cut with a slight stretched bow, is elegantly fretted on the front. It incorporates a large drawer, assembled with a dovetail joint made of oak for the sides and back, with a softwood base, assembled using forged nails. The top is made of softwood planks, thinned around their edges to remain invisible on the front, and bordered with molded robinia strips, forming a reserve into which the reversible stopper is inserted: One side is covered with an old tapestry, the other with an ecru linen canvas. A revealing manufacturing detail: the rear crosspiece, not visible when the table is placed against a wall, is made of pear wood, a more common wood, which testifies to the rare availability of robinia and a reasoned use of this species reserved for the exposed parts. The rarity of robinia in 18th century furniture is worth noting: until now, we had only encountered its use on a Bordeaux chest of drawers of the Regency type, which could indicate a regional origin from the Southwest for this piece. Designed to be stored along a wall and then moved when needed, this table combines elegance, marital symbolism, material rarity and constructive intelligence, perfectly illustrating the spirit of the emerging Regency. This piece of furniture benefits from a magnificent waxed patina. Dimensions: Width: 94.5 cm Depth: 61 cm Height: 71 cm