Tea Table

Designerdesigned by Edward William Godwin (British, 1833 - 1886)

Collections

British Decorative Art Highlights

ClassificationsDECORATIVE ARTS

Dateca. 1880

Mediummahogany inlaid with satinwood stringing

Dimensions29 3/4 x 32 1/4 x 16 in. (75.6 x 81.9 x 40.6 cm.)

DescriptionA rare tea table with two asymmetrical shelves fitted at varying levels, with framework stretchers, and tall, thin proportions inspired by English medieval forms and Japanese craftsmanship.

Credit LineThe Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens

Status

On view

Label TextThis tea table is a version of one Godwin designed for the famous actress Ellen Terry, with whom he lived from 1868 to 1874. It displays the simplicity, economy, and utility for which his work was known, using little wood as appropriate to make the piece as strong and graceful as possible. Godwin named this style of spare and rectilinear furniture design "Anglo-Japanese."

Object number2005.20