A rich and fine quality George III side table in Padouk wood, the Carrera Brescia marble top with re-entrant corners above a carved fretwork frieze standing on chamfered legs similarly carved.

This rich and imposing table is in the manner of William Chambers (1723-1796)

Chambers was a architect and designer who was influenced by Chinese culture and design. Between 1740 and 1749 he was employed by the Swedish East India Company making three voyages to China where he studied Chinese architecture and decoration.

He worked for Augusta, Dowager Princess of Wales making fanciful garden buildings at Kew, and in 1757 he published a book of Chinese designs which had a significant influence on contemporary taste.

His fascination in Chinese culture meant he was one of the first cabinet maker and designers of the 18th century to promote Chinese design, and his work would have influenced many of his peers such as Chippendale, Vile, Cobb and Wright & Elwick.

Elements of this table that are clearly influenced by Chinese design and architecture, include the pronounced brackets, straight leg and bold fret work design, and use of the timber padouk.