Maggiolini games table in rosewood, walnut, and fruitwood, late 18th century.

Dimensions: 78 x 82 x 82 cm.
Origin: Italy.

An exquisite games table with a fold-over top, crafted by Giuseppe Maggiolini in the late 18th century. The table features a magnificent inlaid top: a central hexagonal medallion framed by borders of lighter wood and a dark border with foliate inlay. The corners are adorned with inlays depicting a pair of dolphins flanking a central shell. The truncated-pyramid legs and the apron are decorated with light-wood stringing.
The underside of the top is lined with dark Moroccan leather.

Giuseppe Maggiolini’s workshop in Parabiago was renowned for this type of games table—characterized by simple lines yet elevated by exceptional marquetry tops made from fine woods.

The preparatory drawings for the foliate frieze and the intertwined dolphins at the corners of this table are held in the Civic Print Collection in Milan.