Charles I Joined Oak Long Table

An exceptional joined oak long table of the reign of Charles I, remarkable for its superb condition, glowing colour, and deeply patinated surface. Constructed with six boldly turned baluster legs united by robust stretchers, the table is enriched with a boldly carved frieze of leafy lunettes — a decorative motif closely associated with the Derbyshire school of joiners active in the second quarter of the 17th century.
Measuring over ten feet in length, this is a piece of imposing scale, designed for prominent display in the hall or parlour of a gentry or aristocratic household. Long tables of this calibre were often placed against a wall, laden with plate, textiles, or imported ceramics to impress visitors, but also served in dining and serving functions at great occasions. Its survival in such crisp condition, retaining its original stretchers, carving and outstanding surface, makes it one of the finest Charles I long tables known in private hands.Illustrated in the Huntington Antiques Ltd. catalogue, where it was highlighted as a notable example of early 17th-century English joinery. Huntington were among the most important dealers in early oak furniture in the mid-20th century.

Provenance
Huntington Antiques Ltd., London, illustrated in their catalogue. Shown in last image here.
Private Cotswold English collection.