Exquisite & Very Rare Victorian Fern Ware Side Table c 1870.

Exquisite & Very Rare Victorian Fern Ware Side Table c 1870.

Step into a bygone era with this captivating & very rare Victorian side table, showcasing the enchanting artistry of fern ware. Crafted with a distinct octagonal top 7 bobbin tripod legs, this table is a testament to the Victorian era's fascination with nature and intricate decorative techniques.

Pteridomania or fern fever was a Victorian craze for ferns. Decorative arts of the period presented the fern motif in pottery, glass, metal, textiles, wood, printed paper, and sculpture, with ferns "appearing on everything from christening presents to gravestones and memorials"

Fernware is created by using a reverse stencil technique where dried fern leaves are arranged on a surface coated with resin, then sprayed or speckled with coloured dyes and varnish, essentially "imprinting" the fern pattern onto the wood, often repeated in layers to achieve a delicate, three-dimensional effect; this process is typically done on wooden objects like boxes, tables, and furniture, with the most well-known fernware originating from the Mauchline area in Scotland. 

This table is in good condition considering its age. While it may show signs of wear commensurate with its antique nature, it retains its essential charm and functionality.  The richness of the years only adds to its unique character.