Large 19th Century Anglo Indian Ebony Library Armchair

This is an interesting and large scale Anglo Indian solid ebony armchair made in India or Ceylon most likely for the British Market or perhaps for a British official based in the country, this armchair is of extremely grand imposing proportions with a very high back. The arm supports owe something to French Empire chair models but the turned columns are more typically Victorian in their inspiration. The beautifully carved anthemion motif on the head rail is a very nice decorative touch. This armchair is carved from solid ebony throughout - it is not simply ebonised softwood. The use of caning throughout was common in chairs made for hotter climates and suggests that this piece was probably originally designed for an official working in India, or more likely Ceylon, rather than directly for export to Britain. Unlike so many pieces of furniture produced at this time, this piece is very restrained in terms of the ornament employed and this suggests a craftsperson confident in the quality of their materials. This is an extremely elegant and interesting piece of furniture and is typical of pieces made in the Galle district of Ceylon.