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A handsome mid-19th century library or centre table in solid rosewood, made in the English William IV manner, almost certainly by a colonial workshop in India or Ceylon, around 1840–1870.
The top is formed from two wide boards of richly figured rosewood, deep red-brown with dramatic dark streaking, and is framed by a bold gadrooned edge. Below, the frieze is set with panels outlined in fine pearl beading, centred by a carved foliate lotus panel.
It stands on a pair of stacked baluster and ring-turned columns, each rising from a gadrooned platform base and joined by a matching gadrooned stretcher, on four lobed bun feet. The weight and generosity of the carving are what set colonial rosewood apart: solid timber throughout, rather than the veneer you'd find on an English example.
It's finished on all four sides – the long sides each have a carved leaf centre panel and the ends are plainer panels – so it can happily stand in the middle of a room.
Equally at home as a writing table, a library or hall centre table, or a statement console behind a sofa.
Condition: Good antique condition with honest wear. The top is made from two solid rosewood boards, and the joint between them shows as a fine line running down the centre, just as you'd expect on solid timber of this age. There is a tiny loss where that joint meets the gadrooned edge. One bun foot has an old, well-executed repair, which you can see in the photos. Otherwise there are just the light marks and scratches you'd hope to find on a table that has been used and loved for well over a century, under a lovely deep patina. It is sturdy and stands solidly.
Height 74cm
Width 122cm
Depth 63cm
Collection by appointment from The Hop Farm, Paddock Wood, Kent TN12 6PY. Delivery quoted before you buy – please get in touch.
