 | | Lot No. | | *** | | Description: | A Beautiful Arts and Crafts Period Card Table by William Seuffert (1858-1943). This table is a unique piece and appears to be one of William Seuffert's later creations. It incorporates patterns used in earlier work by both William and his father, Anton. The simplification of the overall table design and squaring of the circular edging indicate a conscious development towards the modernisation of the table genre. This is probably a reaction to the change in public taste from the more ostentatious Victorian era that the earlier more intricate Seuffert pieces reflected. The base is of a style previously unseen on a Seuffert table but appears to be original. As with all Seuffert works, the technical accuracy of the inlay is superb and the use of New Zealand native timbers is both varied and tasteful. Mottled kauri, burr totara, rewa rewa, beech, hokekohe, maire, rimu, puriri and akeake are some of the identifiable species used. Card tables were a Seuffert speciality and in 1886 were available from their workshop for 11 pounds. While too small for card tables, the Seufferts probably named them for their use as business or postal card depositories. Tables of this size are also referred to as side, occasional, wine or specimen tables, the latter because of the profusion of specimen timbers used in the parqetry. (Information provided by Brian Peet). Height 74 cm, Dia. 71 cm | | Estimate: | *** | | Price: | *** | | Category: | Furniture — Tables - Small | |
