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  PAINT-DECORATED AMERICAN PEDESTAL TABLE WITH TOLEWARE STYLE DECORATION AND GAMEBOARD-LIKE GRAPHICS, 1830-1840, PROBABLY OF MAINE ORIGIN
Dimensions (inches): 27.5" tall, 21.5" x 21" top
Description:
Small scale American card table with a scalloped top and skirt, a square, tapered pedestal, and a scalloped base with spherical bun feet. The white-painted background is beautifully embellished with shades of scarlet red, green, blue, and tan, using a design that is precisely what is seen on tole-painted American tin ware of late 18th and early 19th centuries. The carriage style pin striping is typical across rural paint-decorated fancy furniture, but the remainder of the decoration that is so similar to that on toleware is very unusual. The overall effect has a gameboard-like sensibility, with strong folk qualities, and this fact is further enhanced by its small size.

The form is unusual as well among paint-decorated tables. The combination of the construction and painted surface of this example are indicative of the craftsman who produced small scale country furniture in Northern New England, most specifically in the region stretching from Salem, Massachusetts through Southeastern Maine. The most likely origin is Maine. The most common related examples are dressing tables and one-drawer stands, usually with black and red graining or a chrome yellow ground. Chests of drawers are also seen, as are wash stands and other forms. I have not before encountered a pedestal table. I have heard of one other example, with a yellow background, with modest decoration.

The construction is of softwood, primarily pine or fir, with cut nail joinery. The undercarriage of the base is solid wood and beautifully hand-carved. This rare and extraordinary table would be a great addition to any collection of American folk art and painted furniture. The size makes it useful in practically any space.

Condition: There is some paint loss, consistent with age and use, but the overall condition is remarkable and the paint on the top is primarily intact.
   
Primary Color: white
Earliest Date: 1830
Latest Date: 1845
For Sale Status: Available
Price $12,500
E-mail: info@jeffbridgman.com
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