Mayfair Gallery Tray Tables

This exceptionally beautiful and rare silver-inlaid brass tray stand dates from the medieval period, when the Mamluks ruled Egypt and Syria (1250-1517). The Mamluks originated as slave-soldiers, who served the Muslim caliphs and Ottoman Empire. With time, the Mamluks became a powerful military caste, and they managed to take control and establish themselves as rulers of certain areas within the Abbasid caliphate. The Mamluk dynasty commissioned great works of art and architecture, particularly in Cairo, the capital city of Egypt, which was described in the 14th Century as ‘the centre of the universe and garden of the world’ (Ibn Khaldun, 1382). This tray stand is of biconical form, with a raised central band and flared base and rim. It is decorated with scrolling vines, overlaid with Thuluth inscriptions and roundels. On the lower body, the roundels contain floral motifs, and in the upper, stylised depictions of birds. The Thuluth inscriptions praise the patron, referring to him as ‘The High authority, the Lordly, the Possessor’, and ‘the learned’. The underside of the rim is engraved with a heraldic medallion, possibly the patron’s symbol. In the middle ages, when this piece was made, this item would have stood in a grand interior, supporting a tray full of fruit and fine food. The owner of this lavish piece which still bears traces of its original silver inlay would likely have been an Amir (prince) or some other important figure who was close to the Sultan in the Mamluk court. Mamluk tray...

This fine satinwood tea table is made by the highly celebrated Parisian cabinetmaker Francois Linke (French, 1855-1946). The table features a glass tray of rectangular shape which si...

This beautiful table was created in England in the Victorian period by the acclaimed cabinetmakers, Edwards & Roberts. The company were based in London, where they established a name for themselves creating fine quality, fashionable pieces in 18th and 19th century English and French styles. This two-tiered table — with its elegant cabriole legs and wonderful floral marquetry designs — is a prime example of fine Edwards & Roberts furniture. The table is supported on four curving cabriole legs, which are set on scrolling gilt bronze feet and mounted with gilt bronze grotesque...

Lapis lazuli, malachite and silvered bronze étagère jewellery case table Italian, 19th Century Height 95cm, width 41cm, depth 29cm The finest ma...