What Is a Drexel Chippendale Banded Table?

Drexel Chippendale Banded Table

• The most important aspect, when it comes to identifying a Drexel Heritage Chippendale banded table, is the decorative banding element. Chippendale banded tables include end tables, hall tables, sofa tables, library tables, dining tables and occasional tables in round and drum shapes. Several of Drexel’s Chippendale-style tables are in the Chinese and Gothic styles. Some large banded dining tables were sold with chairs that had Queen Ann-style legs. Drexel Chippendale tables were usually made of mahogany, including burled mahogany.

Banding

• Banding refers to inlaid patterns made from wood or other materials, such as ivory, metal or tortoise shell. The decorative patterns are sunk, or inlaid, to create the band on the table surface. The band runs along the edges of the top of the table. The inlay, which is also called marquetry, contrasts with the rest of the surface. For instance, a high-end, double-pedestal dining table described as identical to a 1990 Drexel Heirloom piece is made of mahogany with a primavera and rosewood inlay banding. The Drexel Heritage Chippendale banded lamp end table is made of mahogany with a lighter, burl wood band.

Fret and Lattice Work

• Fret and lattice work are decorative elements added to Chippendale Chinese- and Gothic-style furniture. Fret work is a perforated ornamental addition, usually made of wood. Lattice work is a decorative wood accent used as an ornamental addition to wood furniture. The Drexel Heritage Chippendale banded lamp end table and hall table have lattice work in the upper corners where the legs meet the table.

Legs

• Chippendale based three of his six signature leg styles on the cabriole leg from the Queen Anne style. Chippendale legs include the ball and claw, lion’s paw, the round-footed club, square straight and round tapered. The Drexel Heritage Chippendale lamp end table has the straight legs common to Chippendale’s Chinese and Gothic designs. The Drexel Heritage Chippendale banded hall or sofa table also has straight legs.