Friday, August 3, 2012

Tables: Contrast of Forms

Above:  Mid-century Modern corner table

I run across all sorts of styles of furniture in my "travels".  These two tables demonstrate a couple of examples of what you may consider extremes.

Above:  Mersman Company 1930-1940's Lyre Harp table design uses several common ornamental classical motifs.

The table pictured above is a pretty good example of what we have come to call "Mid-Century Modern", furniture designed in the middle of the 20th Century.  I love its nearly boomerang-shaped slab top and sleek tapered stiletto legs.  Though this table is very "modern" in appearance, its form is based on classical elements.  And the sweeping curve of the top looks like the leftovers after the oval was cut out for the Lyre Harp table.  :o)
At the connection of the legs to the top there is a simplified entablature.

 
The Harp & Lyre table is made of various parts curving in many directions. 
Besides its curving oval top with raised edging, the legs curve much like those of Duncan Phyfe furniture and terminate in a clawfoot brass cap (The caps have been removed for restoration).
The Lyre Harp with carved ornamentation sweeps up and the base on which it attaches to the legs is concave and the legs sweep down.  The image of the lyre harp appears in early Greek and Roman art.

The modern "boomerang" table is available at Home Again Consignment.  The Lyre Harp table is in my work shop being restored from years of neglect and abuse---the condition in which I found it---but it will soon be a beauty!

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