Wednesday, January 13, 2010
In mid-16th century Renaissance Italy, the production of panels and tabletops using inlays of semiprecious stone began, with materials and geometric designs deriving from classical Roman motifs.
However, the design of this particular tabletop, which is probably Roman circa 1680, represents a complete departure from this tradition in that it is a pure interpretation in mosaic of ancient marble, possibly Egyptian alabaster or giallo antico. We know of no other comparable example and, as such, believe this top to be probably unique. Read more... (212 words, 2 images, estimated 51 secs reading time)
Figure 1: Italian Inlaid Marble Tabletop. Carlton Hobbs LLC.
Our recent exhibition, “On Tops,” included a 19th century Italian table with geometric inlaid marble top (figure 1). The design for the top appeared to be based on 15th- and 16th-century Moresque decorative motifs found in Andalusia, which include arabesque designs and geometric patterns consisting of stars, ziggurats, and interlocking circles. The repeating designs on the present tabletop recall marble floors and tiles produced at this time. Another related source is found in the rich Sicilian-Moorish decoration of Caserta Vecchia’s 12th-century cathedral, where an arabesque design in various marbles features a similar color scheme as the present top, with a black background and complex interlaced white marble bands framing yellow and red star shapes. Read more... (352 words, 3 images, estimated 1:24 mins reading time)
Exquisite Scagliola Tabletop Depicting a Scene from the Hunt
We have so far introduced a number of tabletops that use stone as their primary decorative ingredient, whether it be the tesserae of mosaic or pietre dure of marble inlay. An new art form that ensued was Scagliola, where imitation stone is created by combining ground selenite with water, animal glue and natural pigments. The resulting mixture is spread or, once hardened, carved into and engraved with a particular design. Finally, it is heavily polished to give the appearance of marble. Read more... (325 words, 3 images, estimated 1:18 mins reading time)
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Italian. Circa 1825.
Height: 21″ (53 cm); Diameter: 47 1/2″ (120 cm).
This extraordinary pietre dure and marble top is set with rare stones depicting symbols and images significant to the secret cult of Freemasonry, “an Anglo-Saxon creation first transplanted to Florence in 1733… The Masonic principles of nonsectarianism and abstract belief in a “Great Architect of the Universe” were viewed as an intolerable threat by Pope Clement XII, who issued the first papal edict that ordered excommunication of any Catholics who became Masons.” At the time at which this piece was made, Italian Freemasons were particularly concerned with the ideals of Liberty, and played an active role in progressing the country’s struggle for unification and for freedom from both foreign and papal domination. Read more... (395 words, 1 image, estimated 1:35 mins reading time)
This is a preview of An Octagonal Pietre Dure and Marble Tabletop Depicting Masonic Symbols
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Read the full post (395 words, 1 image, estimated 1:35 mins reading time)
A Tabletop Composed of a Section of a Septarian Nodule
We have just received the first image of one of the extraordinary tabletops that will be in our exhibition ‘On Tops’ in May! This tabletop is made from a section of a septarian nodule, a remarkable type of geological formation also known as “turtle stone” for its characteristic pattern of radiating cracks.
Septarian nodules are created when the pores in a mass of sedimentary rock (often composed of fossils dating from the Cretaceous period, 50-70 million years ago) are filled in with jelly-like mineral deposits, which harden into a spherical or ovoid form. The exact cause of the cracks, or septaria, that are found inside the nodules is something of a mystery; but their striking beauty is undeniable! Read more... (188 words, 1 image, estimated 45 secs reading time)
Tabletop constructed from an ancient Roman floor mosaic.
We have made another exciting discovery while doing research for our upcoming exhibition on tabletops.
We will be presenting an early 19th century table whose top has actually been made from a second century AD Roman floor mosaic. It depicts a fish and a variety of abstract geometric shapes. In searching for comparable examples, we have recently discovered the Casa Rural das Ruínas (the Country House of the Ruins) an ancient Roman farm and villa at Milreu, Portugal (ancient Lusitania), built and expanded between the 1st and 4th centuries AD. Read more... (228 words, 3 images, estimated 55 secs reading time)
In our upcoming gallery exhibition, “ON TOPS,” we display a number of purpose-made pieces, where table bases of later construction were made specifically to suit their special tops.
Tabletop Inset with Parchin Kari Panels
One such center table to be exhibited comprises a specially constructed base (circa 1840) designed in the manner of English architect Richard Bridgens, and a top made from two 17th-century parchin kari panels. Parchin Kari is the Mughal word for pietre dure (or “hardstones”). The most famous building to feature this technique is the Taj Mahal, the finest example of Mughal architecture. Read more... (199 words, 2 images, estimated 48 secs reading time)
