American Neoclassical Feather Carved Mahogany Tilt Top Tea Table, c. 1815

A fine New York Neoclassical tilt-top tea table, its rectangular top cut from a single board of dramatically figured mahogany with clipped corners. The figure of the wood features a swirling, flame-like grain radiating across the full surface, deepened by a warm, mellow patina built up over two centuries.

The top rests on a turned pedestal of exceptional quality. Its urn-form shaft is boldly carved with sweeping feathered leaves, each with crisply incised veining and a finely crosshatched spine. A collar of curling acanthus sits beneath ring-turned collars above, and a stack of turned rings below leads into a cylindrical base block. Three spider legs spring from the block in elegant, attenuated S-curves, each with a notched knee and finishing in a small scrolled toe. The result is a base that is both lively and light.

Beneath, the top is fitted with a pair of cleats secured with slotted brass screws. A circular brass spring catch locks the top level and releases it to tilt vertically, so the table can stand against a wall when not in use.

The confident carving and refined proportions are characteristic of the best New York cabinetmaking of the Federal period, when the city’s workshops set the standard for American Neoclassical furniture. Equally at home beside a sofa or reading chair, or standing on its own as a sculptural accent.

DIMENSIONS: 22-1/2” L x 17” W x 29” H

ORIGIN: American, New York

PERIOD: Circa 1815

MATERIALS: Mahogany

CONDITION: Wood surfaces have been cleaned and polished. Overall condition is excellent. Wear is commensurate with age and use.

SKU: 1978