Ceylonese 19th Century Ebony & Specimen Wood Centre Table Galle District

This is an extremely fine 19th Century (c.1840) Ceylonese Anglo Indian ebony octagonal carved centre table with specimen inlaid top. This outstanding specimen table exhibits all the best characteristics of the Galle District craftsmen of the 19th century using the enviable supply of native tropical timbers. It is of octagonal form, this table is executed almost entirely in ebony that has been carved and finished to the highest standard of quality. Beginning at the base, the table stands on three extraordinary feet in the form of crouching lions with flowing manes, their faces highlighted by inlaid ivory eyes which give them a somewhat startled expression and make them utterly charming to look at rather than fierce. The feet support a tripartite platform base with carved apron and the three curving supports leading to the table top are not only highly carved but also fretted. The strength and density of ebony allowing this sort of decoration to be used even on a part of the structure which is so fundamental to the overall strength of the piece. Further fretted carving is used on the apron and frieze of the table top, the decorative scheme here being largely floral with highly naturalistic depictions of leaves and flowers. The octagonal top of the table being the focal point and of fabulous colour with a radial geometric patera of native timbers outlined by inset ivory within a banded boarder. This table is highly decorative and, given the wooden seats used on the chairs that were made en-suite with it (see below), it was probably designed as a hall table in a grand entrance hall. Today it could certainly be used in a similar way or perhaps as a library table or dining/breakfast table if required. As mentioned above, we also have a set of three chairs made en-suite with this table which are also currently in our collection, the inlaid paterae on the chair backs echoing the design utilised on the top of the table. The chairs and table are available for sale separately if required. Pieces like this represent the height of taste in Ceylonese carved ebony furniture made for the export market and the combination of inlay and carving on the chairs in particular is highly unusual. These are very decorative examples which are sure to add a dash of flair to any interior and their restrained colour palette means that they work well in contemporary or more traditional settings. Ivory Act 2018 (2022) compliant with Apha registration reference 6R5EFXVR