circa 1740-1760, a superlative example of the form, with crisp carving and fine rich patinated surface, the perfectly balanced skirt centering a lion mask applique, the rich leg carving reaches almost to the paw feet, 29-3/4 x 35-3/4 x 17-1/2 in.

Provenance: In possession of the Leathem Family of Mount Norris House, Newcastle, Co. Down in the 1960s; sold Bonham's, London, 24 November 2004 lot 85; Private Collection; Tim Corfield; The Jerold Krouse Collection

Exhibited: Art Institute of Chicago, “Ireland: Crossroads of Art and Design 1690-1840”, illustrated in the accompanying catalog, no. 233.

According to Tim Corfield, “This is without a doubt the finest Irish card table presently known. It has all the features of one of the larger side tables of the period but brilliantly scaled down to create a table of elegance and lightness. The carving of the lion’s mask is exceptional, as is the complex shaping of the apron accentuated by the flowing leaf carving. The way the carving on the legs extends almost to the feet is very successful. It is illustrated in The Knight of Glin and J. Piell, Irish Furniture, as fig. 132, and it is comparable with the tea table made for Platten Hall (fig. 156 of Irish Furniture) and almost certainly by the same hand. Finally, it has a wonderful patinated surface.”