Expert: Eileen Cronk - 8/31/2007

Question
QUESTION: Hello Eileen,
Thank you for your time and services offered to us through this site.  I've inherited a hexagon side table that was my grand moms - her husband inscribed underneath that He found it an antique shop and that although He knew She didn't like old things He hopes she'd allow him to keep it in the house- with love, dated May 1954. I guess she liked it- ha! I have two questions-  (1) I'd like to know if it has a specific origin.  (I’ve searched the Internet like crazy trying to find more info.) and  (2) The base has a split in the wood and as a fix someone used two pieces of thin block wood screwed from the underside to keep the piece together. I'm going to try and send you a picture of the table and a view of the “fix”.  You may suggest to leave well enough alone, but with that in mind the wood seems "dry" - To keep it from splitting, splintering or chipping is there a product I could use to keep the wood moist?  It's kept in an area away from sunlight and air vents, nothing sits on it and I use either a dry cloth or regular furniture polish for dusting.  The table is light weight and stained for color; stands about 18 inches tall- The top & base are both hexagon shaped.  The table mounts on top of the base with the use of glue and little wood blocks underneath.  The hexagon shape is unique to me; but the engraved/ carved pattern I hope may be the helpful key as to the history - The top & base are both beautifully carved with large clusters of grapes, leaves and winding vines.  I hope this was enough info. but not too much as well! Thank you for your time and any assistance. Sincerely, Lisa

Can't seem to input my pics- Ill send this and look for further instructions and send to you separately.



















ANSWER: Hi Lisa
Nice to hear from you.
Just saw the pictures.
Have absolutely no idea what this table is, its age, or origins.
Having said that, I'll give my two cents worth LOL...can't resist.
First I do not think the table was made in America.
I think its an imported piece.
I do not think its very old, but keep in mind anything under 75 years is young to me.
I see no sign of aged wood underneath the table.
The splints actually look older than the table, but its possible the type of wood used does not darken with age.
The grape design has some signifigance as you suggest.
Grapes where the most widely used decoration in furniture here, and grapes have signifigance in Asian countries.
In religion, they are used to depict the Blood of Christ.
If I had the table in my shop, I could fix the crack.
First the top will need to be removed (a look at the screws would be of interest too).
If I found the top had been glued to the leg section, and the glue was original, I could tell you for certain the table is a cheap import as this just was not done.
It would also be the reason the leg section has split.
At that point the table would leave the shop LOL.
If the top was not glued, I would then proceed.
First remove the splints holding the break together.
Then glue the break.
The only type of clamp suitable for a hexagon shape is a belt clamp. I would apply several of those, and blocking top and bottom with c- clamps applied. This will ensure the break stays flat while drying.
When the glue dries, replace the table top.
I would check that the holes in the brackets (clearly visible in your great picture) where big enough.
Hard to imagine, but this table top needs to "float".
In order to do this the holes in the brackets need to be a bit larger that the screws. If the top was not glued, this is the reason the leg split. Just too much stress on the leg during humidity change.
That will fix your table.
Next you ask about what to use to keep the wood moist.
The only thing that governs the moisture content in wood is the climate. We cannot "add moisture" to wood as so many people think. And if you think about it, the finish would prevent any moisture from penetrating anyway. Thats what a finish is supposed to do.
So thats all I can tell you Lisa.
Consider this the treasured heirloom it is to you. The story of its accquistion is a treasure in itself.
And perhaps someone else can jump in here with an opinion.
Kindest Regards
Eileen









---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Eileen, Thank you for your thorough and thoughtful response. My grandmother passed last year and the things I've inherited I'm working on a sentimental/ general note journal about her belongings for my kids -This side table in particular has been my mission impossible- even my google search box cringes to the words grape/ leaf & hexagon.  I've tried every combination possible hoping something would surface-  When I found your site it was almost therapy for me to be able share and ask someone else about it -  What's funny, is that once I sent my request to you- I started another treasure hunt when I came across this web-site.  I about cried in relief when I saw this little handkerchief box for sale...engraved with my tables grape design... After so much time spent looking and in desperation asking for your help - I had to sit back and laugh for a moment. I laughed thinking that my grandmother probably really didn't like this "old" table that my grandfather brought home and all this time I've spent searching; they've been up there arguing whether it should be included in their memory journal. I can only hope for his sake that she finally gave in; if not he's in big trouble and probably seeking the angels for a hide-out about now- Ha!  If its not too much to ask and if I promise not to share any more of my family woes; would you take a look and just see if you think their maker/ manufacture listed possibly relates to my piece / Ill research the keywords provided myself but you may see something in the description that could help me along-  I truly appreciate your time!  Thank you, Lisa   www.tias.com/8731/InventoryPage/1844403/1.html

Answer
Hi again Lisa
This is so much fun.
I love mysteries.
Heres what I could find on this Flemish Art which is what the grapevine box is.
And perhaps the table is an example of this too. It certainly looks like the same technique doesn't it?
"Flemish pyrography Folk Art was a popular hobby of Victorian ladies. Briefly, Pyrography was a process utilizing benzene fueled tools, where the design was burned into the wood. When they were painted, distinctive hues of color were used. This was an ancient craft, which gained popularity in Victorian times and continued for decades. Folk artists, hobbyists and artists experimented with pyrographic art. It was a folk craft that gained popularity all over the world, not only America".

I looked at a number of examples of Flemish art on various antique sites, and it certainly appears that its collectable and expensive.
Perhaps Grandfather new a thing or two
I have yet to find a piece of furniture, but will look more.
Funny enough I have been asked about Flemish art in the past and had no clue. Wonder how the name went from  pyrography to being called Flemish art.
I actually have heard of pyrography from a TV show.
Apparently the fumes from the benzene were very hazardous to health but it wasn't known at the time.
Lisa this has been delightful. If you find anything further, get back to me.
And any more help needed just ask...we will both learn.
Kindest Regards
Eileen