Hello every one, thanks for the forum. I am trying to establish a rough date and possible origin of the table shown here. The primary wood is walnut with various woods inlaid into it, the more common ones being mahogany, ebony, box wood, burl oak, burl walnut and others that I am not familiar with. There are no labels or impressed identity marks and I thought it could be either English or possibly American. The Ying & Yang symbol in the centre has got me puzzled, not something I have seen in Arts & Craft furniture before. I would appreciate any suggestions.
Thanks
Phil.

Hello Phil,
That is one beautiful table, however it is not an Arts and Crafts Fashion Table it might be somewhat of an Arts Deco style and if I were in Australia I might try to steal it from you. Well not really steal however I would be interested in copying the pattern.
I like it for the chip carving of the different designs and the emaculant center section.

Thanks for bringing it to the A&C Society to give us a chance to view such a fine table.

Come back as often as you can, by the way how is the Arts and Crafts Movement looked upon in Austailia?

Respectfully,

Ralph Jones

Thanks Ralph

We have a few keen collectors of the A & C period here but finding good items is very hard although the occasional gem does pop up.

All the best
Phil

Hi Phil,
I have been looking at the table top and if I'm not going daffy the main portion of the table looks like quarter sawn white oak but, I can't put a finger on the stain or finish.

The entire top looks good and sturdy. If in fact you do find out something let us know with some form of documentation. You say that you can't find any marks? Is that correct?

BTW; here is my email address where we can converse away from the forums;
Ralj7@AOL.com

Respectfully,

Ralph

I am pretty sure the primary wood, ie the base and top, are red walnut or North American walnut I think it's also known as.? The white streaking seems to be caused by a failing old lacquer.
I have been googling for the last few days but can find nothing on the early use in furniture of the ying & yang motive in the centre. An antique dealer friend of mine thinks it could have been made in the 60's as that symbol was very popular during that flower power era. He could be right, but I am not convinced yet.
I will continue to google and talk to people like yourself.
Thanks again Ralph
Phil

Hello Phil,
It has been my pleasure my friend as I truly like beauty when I see it no matter what her name is. Oh, we are talking about furniture aren't we? Just had to go off my rocker for a few seconds. I am sure a lady would not mind it if you told her she was beautiful.

Yes, do let us know if you find out anything more about the table. I hope that is not Polyurethane on the finish.

Respectfully,

Ralph