Card playing, often for high stakes, was so much the rage in the XVIII
century that there were generally several card tables in a fashionable
house of the period. The folding card table, here reproduced, dates about
1750-1775 and was possibly made in America rather than in England.
Characteristic of the Chippendale manner are the cabriole legs and the
style of the relief carving. One of the legs swings outward to support
the hinged half of the top when open; the rounded corners of the top
served as candle stands.
Note the fine carving of the moulded rim with its foliated scallop shells.
The fluted shaft and the cabriole legs with ball-and-claw feet are well
proportioned.
[Dressing-table, Mahogany. American, about 1760-1775]