Tea Table
Original OwnerOriginally owned by
Carlton Seymour
Furniture MakerMade by
Unknown
Date1780-1800
MediumCherry, brass and iron hardware
DimensionsPrimary Dimensions (height x diameter of top): 25 9/16 x 29 11/16in. (64.9 x 75.4cm)
Component (maximum width between two feet): 21 9/16in. (54.8cm)
ClassificationsFurniture
Credit LineBequest of George Dudley Seymour
Object number1945.1.1056
DescriptionCherry tea table in the late Chippendale or early Federal style. The tea table has a round top which is not stationary, but tilts up into a vertical position. The pedestal had a cylindrical top over a conical section that flares at the base to form an abstract urn, over a cylindrical base with three cabriole legs each with a plain foot. The lower edges of the pedestal base, between each leg, have a raised triangle flanked by a curved edge.
Condition: The top is reglued and the cleats are replaced. Splines were used to repair cracks in the top. The top has many small plugs that extend through the wood; these are to repair holes from previous screws. The top of the table has a water stain in the center. The left side of the underside of the top has a wide pattern of drips that begin above at the edge. The foot below also has drip marks. The brass catch and accompanying catch hole is missing from the underside of the top and the block at the top of the pedestal. The block has split and been repaired with a bolt. The underside of the pedestal, where the legs join the base, has several splits in the wood. The tea table is refinished.
Design and Construction Details: The top is constructed of three boards. A pair of slender cleats (replaced) are screwed (with replaced screws) to the underside of the top. Between each cleat is a thick block which is joined to the cleats with round hinge pins; the top pivots on these pins. The lower edges of the block are chamfered. The pedestal is tenoned into the block. Each leg is dovetailed into the base of the pedestal. There is a small pad underneath each plain, pointed foot.
Condition: The top is reglued and the cleats are replaced. Splines were used to repair cracks in the top. The top has many small plugs that extend through the wood; these are to repair holes from previous screws. The top of the table has a water stain in the center. The left side of the underside of the top has a wide pattern of drips that begin above at the edge. The foot below also has drip marks. The brass catch and accompanying catch hole is missing from the underside of the top and the block at the top of the pedestal. The block has split and been repaired with a bolt. The underside of the pedestal, where the legs join the base, has several splits in the wood. The tea table is refinished.
Design and Construction Details: The top is constructed of three boards. A pair of slender cleats (replaced) are screwed (with replaced screws) to the underside of the top. Between each cleat is a thick block which is joined to the cleats with round hinge pins; the top pivots on these pins. The lower edges of the block are chamfered. The pedestal is tenoned into the block. Each leg is dovetailed into the base of the pedestal. There is a small pad underneath each plain, pointed foot.
Status
Not on view
