attributed to Jefferson County, the table first half 19th century, the paint likely later 19th century, possibly African American, walnut with yellow pine, single drawer with nailed construction, distinctive paint decoration with snakes, lizards, fish, geometric motifs, and initials “TB”,  29-1/2 x 26 x 17-3/4 in. 

Provenance: This table was reputedly found by John Reed, who purchased it from an African American family. Consignor notes: suggest ownership by the Thomas Bragg family, and was referred to as their Bible table (genealogy records accompany the lot). The Art & Furniture of East Tennessee by Namuni H. Young, indicates that the table descended in a black family; Collection of Carole Wahler, Knoxville, Tennessee

Note: In traditional African cultures, lizards and fish are rich with symbolism and meaning, sometimes alluding to spiritual or mystical references, fertility, rebirth, or the spirit world. The geometric motif on the center of the drawer recalls "Adinkra" symbols of the Akan people of Ghana and the Ivory Coast. In that context, these symbols convey specific meanings, and were used in a number of different ways, and sometimes carved on stools for domestic or ritual use. 

Illustrated in Young,  Art and Furniture of East Tennessee, plate number 6. 
This table was reputedly found by John Reed, who purchased it from an African American family. Consignor notes suggest ownership by the Thomas Bragg family, and was referred to as their "Bible Table" (genealogy records accompany the lot). The East Tennessee Furniture book also indicates that the table descended in a black family.