Exceptional French Renaissance leaf-table

PERIOD : 2n HALF 16th CENTURY
ORIGN : FRANCE, LOIRE VALLEY

Height : 76 cm
Length : 95 cm
Full diameter : 134.5 cm

Honey-colored blond walnut.
Exceptionally in its original condition.

Using a fair walnut wood, this leaf-table is a very rare example of foldable furniture. It stands on four elegant columns linked by an X-shaped crossbar. A central baluster leg contrasts with the columns’ rigor. Each of the five legs stands on a bun feet.

The tabletop is composed of a panel with a mitre-cut assembled frame. Thanks to hinges a semi-circular panel is attached to each side of the tabletop. The reverse side of the leaves hides a sliding system allowing them to stay open while four cleats can maintain the leaves closed. The screws are enriched by a lozenge shaped cover adorning the tabletop.

This leaf-table is a very fine example of a kind of foldable furniture that used to be found inside the lavish houses of great lords. With its clever system this elegant square table can be turned into a beautiful round table. A piece that is as ornamental as it is functional.

The sophistication of the construction, showing a true mastery of execution, testifies of the sober refinement characteristic of the 2nd French Renaissance.