Mesa Altar
Mesa Altar
Probably early 18th Century
FILIPINO
Solid Narra wood.
Dimensions (LxHxD):
29 ½ x 49 ¼ x 27 ¾ in or 75 x 125 x 70.5 cm
Provenance:
Private Collection
Private Collection, Southern California
Sold at Bonham Auction Los Angeles
13-14 November 2017 as lot 775
Recently, I was privileged to have examined an extraordinary and exceedingly rare Mesa Altar (Altar Table). The Mesa Altar is of the Batangas type but possibly pre-dating that of the works of the Batangas I master.
The table exhibits most of the characteristics found on the Batangas mesa altars. The front presents a case piece consisting of two massive drawers similar to those of the works of the Batangas II Master.
The drawers are bracketed on each side by decorative flanges that recall the shape of birds found on Goanese carving of the early 18th century. This style reflects a more baroque influence rather than the lighter, airier rococo “Chinoiserie” style of the Batangas I master. In the alternative, the flanges could be reminiscent of the carvings of the Sari Manok, a totem of the Maranao people and a legendary bird found in Mindanao folklore.
Consistent with the Batangas manner, the tabletop is a mitered frame with a central floating panel secured by transvers braces. This type of tabletop has come to be known as the ‘Binandejera” style.
The drawers sit on Ming-style, squat cabriolet legs terminating in ogee feet. Interestingly and unlike the mesa altars crafted by the Batangas I or Batangas II masters, this table does not have stretchers. I have examined the ogee feet extensively and determined that the mesa altar was never constructed with stretchers!
The front of the table is ornamented with a decorative apron or “cinefa” cut in a symmetrical pattern of scalloped edges and trims.
The table may be short and squat but it exhibits monumentality of scale and massiveness of construction that, as observed by Floy Quintos, are the hallmark of Philippine antique furniture.
Condition is good for its age. Top with fading, water staining, ink staining and other signs of age and wear. General marks, nicks, scratches and rubbing overall. The hardware replaced with plug holes to drawer fronts. One lock missing. Scattered nick losses to carved elements, especially the feet, later support blocks to underside. No key.
Mesa Altar
Mesa Altar
Probably early 18th Century
FILIPINO
Solid Narra wood.
Dimensions (LxHxD):
29 ½ x 49 ¼ x 27 ¾ in or 75 x 125 x 70.5 cm
Provenance:
Private Collection
Private Collection, Southern California
Sold at Bonham Auction Los Angeles
13-14 November 2017 as lot 775
Recently, I was privileged to have examined an extraordinary and exceedingly rare Mesa Altar (Altar Table). The Mesa Altar is of the Batangas type but possibly pre-dating that of the works of the Batangas I master.
The table exhibits most of the characteristics found on the Batangas mesa altars. The front presents a case piece consisting of two massive drawers similar to those of the works of the Batangas II Master.
The drawers are bracketed on each side by decorative flanges that recall the shape of birds found on Goanese carving of the early 18th century. This style reflects a more baroque influence rather than the lighter, airier rococo “Chinoiserie” style of the Batangas I master. In the alternative, the flanges could be reminiscent of the carvings of the Sari Manok, a totem of the Maranao people and a legendary bird found in Mindanao folklore.
Consistent with the Batangas manner, the tabletop is a mitered frame with a central floating panel secured by transvers braces. This type of tabletop has come to be known as the ‘Binandejera” style.
The drawers sit on Ming-style, squat cabriolet legs terminating in ogee feet. Interestingly and unlike the mesa altars crafted by the Batangas I or Batangas II masters, this table does not have stretchers. I have examined the ogee feet extensively and determined that the mesa altar was never constructed with stretchers!
The front of the table is ornamented with a decorative apron or “cinefa” cut in a symmetrical pattern of scalloped edges and trims.
The table may be short and squat but it exhibits monumentality of scale and massiveness of construction that, as observed by Floy Quintos, are the hallmark of Philippine antique furniture.
Condition is good for its age. Top with fading, water staining, ink staining and other signs of age and wear. General marks, nicks, scratches and rubbing overall. The hardware replaced with plug holes to drawer fronts. One lock missing. Scattered nick losses to carved elements, especially the feet, later support blocks to underside. No key.