17TH CENTURY TABLE--HAVING FUN

I was envisioning how I would integrate my little 17th century side table

  

with some of my other 17th and early 18th century pieces. This is what I've been dreaming of--usually I don't like to have a purely period room-- and these guys all appear to be able to have a great conversation.

On either side of the table I would place this pair of early 20th c. Jacobean-style side chairs that I upholstered in a Scalamandre silk damask, retaining the original hand hammered nail heads

  

Above the table I would position my late 17th c Dutch mirror --it is just a bit more narrow than the table

 

Next I would place this pair of French iron sconces that date to the early 20th century on either side of the mirror above the chairs. Just look at that original patina!

  

On top of the table I would either place a Claude Conover Vessel (depending upon my cash flow)

  

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Or my 18th/19th century Korean water Vessel.

  

Next, I would place my English 17th c. bible box on one of the side chairs.

  

I would probably choose a vintage John Saladino Shelter Sofa in a large weave Belgium linen.

I would add a couple of my antique c. 1915-1920 Fortuny pillows with 19th c. French metallic trim--these would echo the tones of the Korean vessel.

  

And finally, I would position my late 17th c. Spanish chest or "Arca" as a coffee table in front of the Saladino sofa.

 

For starters, I would place my Italian marble bust on the chest 

adding a Japanese lacquer box in gorgeous  gold makie detailing

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Well, what do you think? I'm open to any suggestions...would love to work in some great mid-century or contemporary pieces. I think I need a great abstract, plus......

Jones say "hi" --he is patiently awaiting a trip to the P-A-R-K actually, he can figure out the meaning even when I spell out park....too smart for his own good.

Have a great last day of April.

Mary and Jones (& Cole)

CHANGED MY MIND

When I previewed "my" auction on Wednesday, I spied a great John Widdicomb sideboard in a gorgeous  dark mottled faux tortoise lacquer finish that dated to the 1960's--and I set my sights on it. The sideboard was kind of hiding at the beginning of the auction and I thought that I could probably get it at the price point where I could make a nice profit after minor restoration work. The sideboard was shaped like this (but much better quality and condition):

But, boy!! was I off with my estimate of what I thought the sideboard would sell for--it went for almost double what I had wanted to pay for it (I was the great under-bidder).

Fortunately, there was another little piece that I had my eye on (business has been a little off--so I'm watching my buying pennies very carefully). I love 17th and early 18th century pieces of furniture. They call to me: I especially love it when the piece has retained its original patina and hardware. This little table had all of the details that draw me to these very old pieces: original patinated ebonized finish, original iron hardware, original drawer bottom (replaced drawer runners--which is normal and means that I don't have to do the restoration work), great hand made square nails, original stretchers and very little worming (unusual in a table of this age and use). As an added plus, sometime in the 18th century the old top had been secured to the base with huge hand made screws.

The 17th c. side table looks something like this, with higher level detailing and slightly larger:

I think that she will be happy to join my other 17th century pieces....

This is a late 17th c. Spanish Chestnut "Arca" or chest

Her next new friend will be this 17th c. English Oak Bible Box

This 17th c. Flemish (Dutch) mirror will look great when placed above the side table. There's Jones....

And these Italian (Venetian) Hall Chairs will make great company--although they are a bit later and date to the very early 18th c.

I'll take some photos showing her great original details tomorrow when I unload the table.

I am so grateful that those responsible (known so far)  for the Boston terrorist attack have been detained. Saddened that so many lives were lost or shredded; senseless violence. 

Jones says "hi"--he needs a haircut very badly!

Have a wonderful Spring week-end; it will be gorgeous here in SC.

Mary and Jones (& Cole)