A fine and rare early Regency period ladies' writing table, enriched with Caduceus ormolu mounts and veneered in calamander and satinwood, on a figured mahogany base. Attributed to George Oakley of London.

Circa 1820.

Why we like it

We love the striking veneers and the unusual, architectural design of this handsome table. The filely chased ormolu mounts are of top quality. A highly decorative and useful piece.

Caduceus, a short staff entwined by two serpents, sometimes surmounted by wings; in Graeco-Roman iconography, an attribute of Hermes (Mercury), the messenger of the gods. The caduceus is recognised as a symbol of commerce and negotiation and also used as a symbol representing printing (in this case associated with eloquence), hence it was perfectly suitable for adorning elegant writing tables, mainly used for correspondence.

Attribution

This table follows the same design and features  the Caduceus mounts to the sides, identical to a group of tables, shown in our blog article on George Oakley.