The table has a segmented top which turns and expands to allow the insertion of extra leaves , thereby increasing the size of the top. It is supported on the most unusual cluster colomn base which in turn stands on a platform base consisting of four lobes supported on carved lion's paw feet.

English, Circa 1850

The English Regency Period is notable, among many things, for a fascination with novelty and the effects of the English Industrial Revolution produced increasingly versatile pieces of furniture. Also known as "patent" or "patent metamorphic" furniture, these designs were created with a mind to saving space and incorporating other clever features. One of the most popular of these "patent" designs was the "jupe" table, patented in March of 1835 but Robert Jupe and John Johnstone. The jupe table offered a solution to the inflexibility of rectangular dining tables as the jupe table's leaves could be added and then removed to accommodate different numbers of guests. The revolutionary table was described as "An improved expanding round table so constructed that the sections composing its surface may be caused to diverge from a common centre and that the spaces caused thereby may be filled up by inserting leaves or filling pieces' The table top could be expanded 'by hand or by turning the surfaces and bed of the table round the pillar," and quickly gained popularity as Messrs. Johnstone and Jupe established their company, Johnstone, Jupe & Co., at 67 New Bond Street.

In 1840, Johnstone, Jupe & Co. was no longer trading as Robert Jupe and John Johnstone had fallen out. Robert Jupe moved his business to Welbeck Street and John Johnstone formed a new business at 67 New Bond Street called Johnstone & Jeanes in 1842. Only a small number of "jupe" tables from the Johnstone & Jeanes partnership survive, making these tables incredibly sought-after.

Diameter: D closed: 58.5" 148.6cmD open: 79" 200.7cm