Fairly spectacular in detail, this table is certainly one of the highlights at the upcoming Pastoral Idyll auction at Christie’s London.  This isn’t period unfortunately, but is inspired by the influential 18th century garden designer Batty Langley.  There’s so much to talk about on this piece, but I particularly like the choice of stone on the top, the pockmarked stone lends a certain quality to it, grounds the design, really.  The general carving is so intricate, from the rosettes to the leaves in the feet in the frieze, and it has a formal quality while still carrying the overall garden theme with the design elements.  Now all you need is a fitting garden in which to place it!

Lot 9 Hanham Court – Pastoral Idyll – until April 14th at Christie’s London – South Kensington

As you all well know, I’m all about Regency period furniture, and I think this table is a very fine example of the style.  Lean, embellished, formal, regal.  It isn’t for everyone, sure, but there’s something quite appealing about the feel of this piece to me.  One of the things I really love about looking at antiques is that I rarely just see the piece itself, I can often picture the entire room around it.  I think that’s actually why I like this table so much – it isn’t really about the table, it’s about the pleasure I get from thinking about the space it fits in and the sort of person it fits with, if that makes sense at all.  Imagining what I could do at this desk, the kinds of things I would read and write, the trips I could plan, the sort of life I would lead if this table were in my house – that’s perhaps the most appealing aspect for me.

Available as until April 1st, Lot 70 in the Fine European Furniture Including Tapestries, Silver, Ceramics and Carpet Auction at Sotheby’s New York office.

I’ve made no secret of my love for Regency period furniture, and these quartetto tables are just one more reason to be excited about the style.  They’re absolutely brilliant.  The proportions are particularly appealing on these tables, they seem to fit together with such precision.  The arched support near the legs is also very nice, but the most exciting aspect is clearly the burl or burr yew tabletop.  Burl is essentially the grain from a diseased, bulbous growth on a tree and while it isn’t healthy for the tree, it results in quite beautiful wood.  It is rare in all cases, but exceedingly difficult to find in yew trees, so quite a luxury indeed.   Be sure to use a coaster while resting your glass of Armagnac on top.  Available until March 25th as Lot 103 in the Three Woods: A Passion for Walnut, Oak & Yew The John Parry Collection at Christie’s King Street Office in London.  The entire auction is actually quite exciting and I’ll be featuring a number of lots coming on the block over the next few days.  Those who have the time should look through the entire catalogue.

With thin, sexy cabriole legs and other delicious details.  Available on February 23rd as Lot 406 in the Interiors – Style and Spirit auction at Christie’s London office.

Beautifully patinated and gilt-tooled red leather top with original castors. Available on February 23rd as Lot 196 in the Interiors – Style and Spirit auction at Christie’s London office.