Spanish Walnut and Wrought Iron Table, Spain late 18th century (sold)

Spanish Walnut and Wrought Iron Table, Spain late 18th century (sold)

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From the grandest cathedral to the simplest chair, Spanish style reflects the country’s history. This antique Spanish table, called a “travel table” is a gorgeous piece carrying the visual and functional elements associated with the country’s craft and design history.

Thanks largely to its extended holy war, Spain maintained a medieval attitude much longer than the rest of Europe. In their furniture, this was reflected in large wooden furniture that was often somewhat crude compared to other European styles. Spanish furniture had a rustic, rough quality to it, that suited the life on the military frontier, as well as the extreme climates of Spanish regions, like the Extremadura. That being said, pieces were not without decorative qualities, seen in this solid walnut table’s structure and details. Despite its rough materials, the design of this table still maintains a sculptural, airy look which is the result of its double folding moulded legs and the scalloped crosspieces connected by the twisted, wrought iron struts. The rectangular plank top is joined by the spirally turned stretchers to the side pieces in such an artisan way that recalls the Moorish style by which Spanish furniture-makers were influenced by during the 1st century. The whole structure is well-built and solid and carries a unique aesthetic that is infused with cultural history.

The walnut can be easily considered as a decorative element with a colour that ranges from creamy white in the sapwood to a dark chocolate colour in the heartwood. Because of its colour and grain it is a prized furniture and carving wood. In combination with the iron joinery pieces, it establishes this table’s strong visual language.

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