Specification TABNT8001 · SIMPLE
Specifications
| Dimensions | N/A |
|---|---|
| Weight | 4 kg |
| Materials | Solid Wood, Brass |
| Country of Origin | Egypt |
| Design Style | Empire Neoclassical |
| Ideal Placement | Living Room, Bedroom, Hallway, Reception, Library |
| Delivery Time | 30-45 Days |
| Assembly Required | Minimal Assembly |
| Care Instructions | Dust with Dry Cloth |
| Handcrafted | Yes — by Egyptian artisans |
| Customizable | Yes — contact us for custom orders |
Description
Design & Inspiration
There is a particular authority to a round centre table placed at the heart of a salon — it neither faces one direction nor excludes any seat. This piece draws from the design vocabulary of the Napoleon III / Second Empire period (1852–1870), when French cabinet-makers elevated the centre table into a sculptural centrepiece as much as a functional surface. The rich, deep mahogany frame commands attention from across the room, while the burl veneer top — warm amber tones swirling with natural figuring — rewards those who step closer.
Materials & Craftsmanship
The circular top is veneered in burl wood, its organic cloud-like grain radiating outward from a hand-engraved central floral medallion enclosed within a geometric roundel border — a detail that speaks directly to the Second Empire taste for ornament within order. Beneath the top, the apron is dressed in a continuous frieze of cast gilt ormolu swag garlands, precisely the kind of laurel-and-ribbon drapery motif that defined French Second Empire decoration. At intervals, square ormolu plaques bear a central acanthus-and-lotus mount — a classically derived ornament reinterpreted through Napoleon III's eclectic lens. The turned pedestal column, finished in a deep French polish that catches light with a warm luminosity, rises from a three-legged sabre-footed base. Each leg is reeded and terminates in a gilt ormolu sabotage mount — the craftsman's signature flourish at the point where the piece meets the floor. A protective glass plate sits flush over the marquetry top, preserving the hand-finished surface for generations.
Dimensions & Details
This round centre table is constructed from Romanian solid redwood at under 10% humidity, ensuring dimensional stability in the varied climates of Egypt and the Gulf region. The pedestal tripod base provides generous stability while maintaining the visual lightness that separates a Second Empire table from its heavier Baroque predecessors. Exact dimensions are available on request — the piece can be customized in scale to suit a specific room or placement.
Handcrafted in Egypt
Every element of this table is handcrafted at the Brass & Wood atelier in Egypt, where skilled woodworkers and metal casters collaborate on each piece. The ormolu mounts are individually cast, chased, and gilded. The burl veneer is laid by hand and finished by French polishing — a technique requiring multiple sessions of shellac application and hand-burnishing to achieve the depth of gloss visible in the top surface. This is not production-line furniture; it is a faithful interpretation of Second Empire craftsmanship, made with care and precision by craftsmen who understand both the period's intention and the modern buyer's expectation of longevity.
Frequently Asked Questions
What materials is this table made from?
The frame and pedestal are constructed from Romanian solid redwood (under 10% humidity). The top features burl wood veneer over a solid wood substrate, with a protective glass plate. The decorative mounts are cast brass with a gilt gold finish, applied throughout the apron frieze and at the leg terminals.
Is assembly required?
Minimal assembly is required — typically attaching the top to the pedestal column and securing the base legs. Full instructions are provided, and the process requires no specialist tools.
Can this table be customized?
Yes. Brass & Wood offers customization on wood finish tone, brass finish (gold, antique gold, or bronze), and scale. Please contact us directly to discuss your requirements before placing your order.
