Miniature gateleg table (one of a pair) 1699 - 1700

This miniature gateleg table was crafted out of silver by George Manjoy around the turn of the 18th century. While it appears to be a child’s toy, such miniatures also functioned as impressive displays of wealth and skill. Consider the historical context: Manjoy, working in a period of burgeoning colonialism, would have been very aware of the power dynamics involved in the making and owning of luxury objects. The table presents both an exercise in craft and a demonstration of the aspirations of the wealthy. Floral patterns adorn the surface of the table, creating an intriguing feminine energy. As you contemplate the table's dimensions, consider the intimate scale that invites close inspection and even perhaps a touch. The silver material adds a sense of preciousness, suggesting both its economic and sentimental value. This table invites us to consider the relationship between the domestic and the global, the personal and the political, the miniature and the monumental.