Macassar Ebony Sofa Table Attributed to George Oakley
Stock No: 11307
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Country: English
Date: Circa 1795 - 1805
Medium: Coromandel, Macassar Ebony, Satinwood
Dimensions
Height: 72.00cm (28.35 inches)
Width: 153.50cm (60.43 inches)
Depth: 66.50cm (26.18 inches)
Main description
A most rare and fine Georgian Regency period Macassar ebony satinwood inlaid crossbanded sofa table, attributed to the Royal Cabinet Maker George Oakley.
The highly figured rectangular top is double crossbanded with satinwood and coromandel and the sofa table frieze is inlaid with satinwood vertical veneers and sits above a Macassar ebony frieze. The frieze is fitted with two full length mahogany lined drawers and turned coromandel knobs and mirrored to the reverse with faux drawers.
The table top is raised on four solid turned and shaped baluster supports that sit on a concave plinth base. The plinth base is inlaid with satinwood and veneered with Macassar ebony and is supported by four elegant out-stretched tapered legs with matching satinwood inlays that terminate on the original gilt brass capped castors.
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Who was George Oakley?
George Oakley was a prominent London cabinet maker and upholsterer who operated from premises at 8 Old Bond Street. He gained significant status during the Regency period, serving as one of the “Royal Cabinet Makers.” His firm, Oakley & Shackleton, was highly regarded for supplying high-quality furniture to the British aristocracy and the Royal Household, most notably receiving commissions for various royal residences.
Oakley’s work is known for its technical precision and the frequent use of exotic veneers, including rosewood, amboyna, and ebony, often highlighted by sophisticated brass inlay. His designs were frequently aligned with the fashionable taste of the time, often incorporating Greek and Egyptian motifs. Today, pieces attributed to his workshop are considered highly collectible due to their provenance and the exceptional quality of their construction.
For further information, see our Makers and Retailers encyclopaedia on George Oakley.
What Is a Sofa Table?
A sofa table is a long, narrow table traditionally designed to stand behind a sofa or against a wall. Introduced during the late Georgian and Regency periods, sofa tables commonly feature drop leaves and drawers, providing a practical surface for reading, writing or decorative displays without occupying excessive space.
For further information, see our Antique Furniture Types encyclopaedia on Antique Tables: Occasional and Dining.
What Is Macassar Ebony?
Macassar Ebony is a rare hardwood from Indonesia, recognised for its bold black and golden brown striping. It became particularly fashionable during the late nineteenth century and the Art Deco period, where it was used on luxury furniture, decorative veneers and high quality interior fittings.
For further information, see our Woods encyclopaedia on Macassar Ebony.
What Is the Regency Period?
The Regency period (1811-1820) formed the closing years of the Georgian era and was defined by refined classical design inspired by ancient Greece, Rome and Egypt. Furniture from the period often features bold veneers, clean architectural lines and restrained decorative details in brass, ebony and gilt bronze.
For further information, see ourAntique Furniture Periods encyclopaedia on Regency Period.
Why Buy From Freshfords Antiques?
Established in 1987, Freshfords Antiques has spent nearly four decades sourcing and curating the finest examples of English antique furniture. Our reputation is built upon a deep-rooted specialism in the Georgian and Regency periods, where we focus on selecting pieces that retain their genuine age, original patination, and unimpeachable authenticity. We believe that an antique should not only be a significant historical object but also a functional and beautiful addition to a contemporary home.
As proud members of the British Antique Dealers’ Association (BADA), we operate under a rigorously enforced code of conduct that prioritises professional integrity and expertise. Membership of BADA is only granted after a thorough election procedure and is subject to annual review, ensuring that our clients can purchase with complete confidence. When you acquire a piece from Freshfords, you are benefiting from a wealth of experience, a dedication to craftsmanship, and a commitment to preserving the heritage of the finest English cabinet making.
