A 19th Century Wake Table

A 19th century Irish wake table.

The mahogany oval twin-flap top raised on square legs, single inner folding and supporting gate legs.

Superb condition and particularly well figured timbers used.

Height 29in (74cm).

Length 78in (199cm).

Width open 48.5in (123.5cm).

Width closed 18in (45.5cm).

These Irish oval-topped drop-leaf tables are traditionally known as 'hunt' or 'wake' tables. Their narrow form, allows them to be placed against a wall, out of the way, often in a hallway. The term hunt table originated from their use for hunt meets, when they were carried outside to hold the drinks. They are otherwise known as wake tables, their narrow shape being ideally suited to holding a coffin prior to burial. Their mobile nature and usefulness has resulted in many examples still in situ in houses throughout Ireland. There are examples in the Dining-Rooms of Leixlip Castle, Co. Kildare, Bellamont Forest, Co. Cavan and Mount Stewart, Co. Down (J. O'Brien and D. Guinness, Great Irish Houses and Gardens, London, 1992, p. 23, 68, 157 and 192). A wake table probably supplied to Alexander mcDonnell, fifth Earl of Antrim (1713-1775) for Glenarm Castle, Co. Antrim is illustrated in The Knight of Glin & J. Peill, Irish Furniture, New Haven & London, 2007, p. 242, cat. 161.