As discussed in a prior blog post, drinking tea in Europe and America, lead to the creation of many new objects to support this new fashion. The impact of tea taking on furniture design can be seen in the creation of the tea table. This term was used loosely in the 18th century to describe any small table designed for a household. A tea table could be rectangular or round, plain or with intricate carving on the top and knees and legs of the table. Portability was an important consideration, with tilt-top tables prized for their ability to be set against a wall and pulled out for taking tea when needed. Mahogany was the preferred wood for tea tables, as the shine of the expensive wood showed off not only the taste and wealth of the owner, but also the tea paraphernalia, especially tea sets of silver. Lacquer tables too gained popularity among the richest in England, with over 6,000 imported by the East India Company in 1700 alone.
Tilt Top table, Mahogany,American, Philadelphia 1765
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, New York
Tea table in situ Metropolitan Museum of Art
Table, Mahogany, with replacement stretchers and legs. English 1740-1760
The table top is thought to have been saved from another tea table and new stretchers and legs made to create a new table.
Victoria and Albert Museum, London, England
Tea table, Federick Hintz, England, 1737-38, Mahogany with inlaid brass and mother of pearl
Victoria and Albert Museum, London, England
This table is in the V & A British Galleries and is striking when seen in person. The unusual leg design is thought to be inspired by Dutch examples.