Research:
Of rosewood and boxwood. The circular top inlaid as a complex chart of the solar system and other astronomical phenomena including the orbital path of Halley’s Comet, with astrological symbols to the outer edge. The columnar base with wide circular platform and geometric boxwood parquetry. The whole raised upon finely carved scrolled feet.
The remarkable top of the present table is probably unique in representing a map of the solar system in marquetry dating to the second quarter of the nineteenth century. It includes the principal planets of Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn and Uranus within their orbits, as well as the orbits of several asteroids (then considered minor planets) and a comet. The tilt-top function of the table allows for the pictorially fascinating top to be displayed vertically when not in use.
Full research report available on request.