A small side table

A small side table
D. João V, King of Portugal (1706-1750)
Brazilian rosewood
Portuguese
minor faults and defects, interior with traces of wood insects
Dim. - 20,5 x 23 x 29 cm
Notes: "Among the small-scale furniture, the 'examination tests' stand out due to the rigor of the proportions and level of execution. Among the miniatures are those that normally have the largest dimensions. In the 1767 Rules of the "Furniture Carpentry and woodworking joint" the officer who wanted to become a master or work on his own and teach apprentices or employ officers in turn had to perform a test of their professional aptitude, which was also regulated, defining materials, dimensions, connections, type of glue and decorative motifs to be used "- Cf. FREIRE, Fernanda Castro - "Mobiliário - II volume". Lisbon: Ricardo do Espirito Santo Silva Foundation, Museum-School of Portuguese Decorative Arts, 2002, p. 130. In addition to the aforementioned examination tests, these small pieces may constitute furniture expressly produced to be placed on the platforms that the Portuguese female elites used until the end of the 18th century, to be used by children or to serve as pieces of showcase of woodworkers.