Antique Center Table Cocktail Coffee Renaissance Brass Accents Walnut

This highly unusual center library table is hand-carved in walnut and dates to circa 1870. The four legs of the table whimsically rest on and are carried by the backs of four turtles. The center cross stretcher is a large carved turtle on which a hunchback rides. In the Renaissance courts, hunchbacks and midgets were often kept as court pets as they were considered good luck. Turtles are symbols of wealth, prestige, longevity, and good luck, which makes this very unique antique turtle table especially lucky! The table has a glass top so that the fantastic details of the hunchback riding the turtle can be seen through the tabletop. The turtle is suspended in the middle of four twisted brass stretchers with brass capitals and circular caps as additional decoration on the highly carved legs. The hand-carved frieze around the table adds to the opulence with the profiles of monks amidst swirling, deeply carved foliage. This antique center table will be a sure conversation-starter in your home! This table could also be used as a cocktail table, library table, or even a small dining table or games table. No matter where you place it, your guests will feel as if theyve been transported back to a Renaissance court! Condition: Shows normal wear to the finish including miscellaneous nicks, dings, and scratches due to age and use.