There is a marble fountain in front of the south window of the Dining Room that was purchased at an exhibition in Paris. It’s dated sometime between 1875 and 1900. The fountain was plumbed and fully functional, and is signed by the artist. The original operating instructions are included in Charles’ correspondence with his dealers and include detailed drawings.
To the south of the fireplace stands a sixteenth-century Chinese teakwood screen. It has twelve cloisonné panels depicting the months of the year. The Dining Room table, chairs and buffet are Queen Anne style. The table is covered with Venetian lace, an example of the Allis’ extensive linen and lace collection, which is stored in the Flemish linen chest in the southwest corner. Above the table is a chandelier created by Caldwell and Company of Philadelphia. Caldwell was as renowned as Tiffany in terms of household lighting fixtures and adornments. The company also manufactured the mica screen in front of the marble fireplace, which is said to be designed by Charles. The Dining Room’s woodwork is Honduran mahogany.
Photography by Kevin Miyazaki.
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