Antique Furniture by Master Craftsmen Garvan Carver and Martin Jugiez Highlight the Upcoming Sale by Sotheby’s

In the 1750s, an anonymous carver created striking pieces of furniture by crafting intricate details such as lion’s claws on table legs and arabesques over chair backs. Known only by his works, this man is renowned as the “Garvan Carver.” He was first identified by Alan Miller through a high chest at Yale University Art Gallery. A scalloped, tilt-top tea table with rare carvings attributed to Garvan is a key highlight of the upcoming sale, presented by Sotheby’s. Carved in solid mahogany, it is designed with a vasiform-turned pedestal on a tripod base. It is finely fashioned with an acanthus urn between a gadrooned canopy and a guilloche ring. The table has a history of descent in the illustrious McMichael-Tilghman family of Philadelphia. It was chronicled as “The Acme of Perfection in American Piecrust Tables” in Blue Book Philadelphia Furniture. 

Another significant lot in the catalog is a nine-foot tall Chippendale case clock. It features musical works by Paul Rimbault, London and carvings attributed to master craftsman Martin Jugiez. Visit Sotheby’s to view the complete catalog and register to bid in the upcoming Important Americana: Furniture, Folk Art, Silver, Chinese Export Art and Prints sale.