Among the magnificent items purchased in Paris for King George IV by his baker, François Benois, is this gorgeous coffer and table of oak and ebony. What sets this apart from other similar pieces of furniture in the Royal Collection is the inclusion of nineteen porcelain panels by Sèvres. Set in gilt bronze the panels show: 4 pastoral scenes, 2 mythological subjects, 2 birds, 2 still lifes, a trophy and 8 trellis panels in gold on a blue ground.
Supported by four tapering legs with brass fluting, the table holds the coffer which is mounted with white marble and a pierced bronze gallery on three sides. This set was used in St. James Palace until the death of George IV when it was moved to Windsor Castle.
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