19th Century Chinese Export Lacquer Games Table

This fine table employs the usual fold-over top but is supported on two turned columns and a quadripartite base with gilded feet. The frieze has a concealed drawer which is internally divided and would have been used to store gaming counters and pieces when first made. This model of table is typical of the designs of firms such as Gillows produced 1825. The top is decorated with a large landscape incorporating mountains, foliage, a pagoda and houses on a series of islands divided by wide rivers being traversed by a variety of shipping. When opened, the top is decorated with a fine black and gold lacquer chess board, enclosed in repeating Greek key borders and an additional floral guard border.

The lacquer on the frieze and drawer front is particularly fine, depicting another landscape with fences, buildings and foliage. The foliate lacquer work also continues down the supporting columns and on to the platform base and legs.