Scagliola Porphyry Stone & Brass Coffee Table

This incredible scagliola low table with brass legs dates from the mid-twentieth century and likely was made in Italy. It measures 60" long, 22" deep and 17.5" high. The color is grey with tiny white crystalline flecks, and larger randomly-shaped ovals in white alabaster to give the appearance of porphyry stone and solid alabaster. Overall condition is very good. There is some minor pitting to the brass and its appearance would benefit greatly from a new polishing. There are some staining and small chips from the top surface. The scagliola technique (meaning "chips" in Italian) originated in northern Italy in the seventeeth century and was employed in other parts of Europe throughout the eighteenth and nineteenth century to craft architectural elements and table tops. The technique involves the use of gypsum (including ground alabaster, selenite and other types) and plaster of Paris mixed with mineral pigments to produce hardened material which is carved, sanded and polished. It was once employed with tremendous attention to detail to create intricate figural and landscape scenes similar to those created using the pietra dura technique. It is also used simply to mimic the appearance of marble and other types of natural stone. The technique fell out of use in the late nineteenth and early twentieth century. This table resides with our client on the Upper East Side of Manhattan, and may be seen in person by appointment. ( hantiques )