A RARE HENRY VIII OAK COUNTER TABLE

A RARE HENRY VIII OAK COUNTER TABLE

C.1540-50

the hinged boarded top above a triple panelled front carved with parchemin panels, the left side with conforming decoration the right side plain, on moulded stiles

68.7cm high, 97.2cm wide, 62.5cm deep

Catalogue Note

The name 'counter table' describes a table with the top marked out with a series of lines and squares to assist with calculating accounts. Alternatively, a marked cloth could be used. The counted coins could easily be deposited into the chest by employing a sliding lid. It is now common to find the sliding top later hinged. Although these tables are rare, the Burrell Collection, Glasgow, has no less than three examples, all with parchemin panels, [Museum Nos. 14.358, 14:354 & 14,352], with one also carved with the arms of Scarborough and Ghisburn, Yorkshire. A counter table with linenfold-carved panels, is in the collection of the Victoria & Albert Museum [Museum No. W.49-1952].

For related illustrated tables see R. W. Symonds, 'The Counter Board', The Connoisseur, December 1951, p. 174, No. XII; Ralph Edwards, 'The Dictionary of English Furniture' (1990), Vol. II, p. 147, fig. 3 and sold Sotheby's The Peter Gywnn Collection, London, 27th November 2001, Lot 3; S. W. Wolsey & R. W. Luff, 'Furniture in England: The Age of the Joiner'(1968), pl. 122 and Victor Chinnery, 'Oak Furniture: The British Tradition' (2016), p. 242, figs. 3:155 & 3:156.