The Feet on Furniture: Animal Paw Feet

Detail of a lion’s paw foot on a George II Irish Mahogany Drop Leaf Table
Mackinnon Fine Furniture Collection

If you had a look at our Instagram today, you would have seen that we are starting a new Friday tradition taking a close look at the feet on pieces of furniture in our collection. We will explore the different styles and motifs that were popular throughout the 18th century on chairs, table, chests, and more.  On Instagram, we will start with a close up photo of the foot and later in the day we will reveal the full piece so you can see how the style of the foot fits in to the overall aesthetic and design.

A George II Irish Mahogany Drop Leaf Table with Lion’s Paw Feet
Mackinnon Fine Furniture Collection

So without further ado, we will start with the iconic carved animal paw foot.  Often in the form of lion’s paws, these animalistic forms originally appeared on ancient Greek and Roman furniture and became popular again in the middle of the 18th century. The lion was a symbol of England, and therefore a very fitting choice for Georgian furniture. This particular piece features fantastically carved lions paw feet with wonderful patina.  This George II period Irish mahogany drop leaf table stands on four wonderful acanthus and flower carved cabriole legs that each terminate in exaggerated animal paws.  The mahogany on this table is of the finest colour, figuring, and patina throughout.

A George II Irish Mahogany Drop Leaf Table with Lion’s Paw Feet
Mackinnon Fine Furniture Collection

Have a look below to see more pieces from our collection with animal paw feet.

A George II Walnut Chair in the manner of Giles Grendey with Needlework Seat and animal paw feet
Mackinnon Fine Furniture Collection

A George II Giltwood Table in the manner of William Kent with animal paw feet from the Collections of the Earls of Lovelace
Mackinnon Fine Furniture Collection

A Pair of Mahogany Irish Armchairs with animal paw feet
Mackinnon Fine Furniture Collection