Anglo Indian Ebonised Folding Tea Table

Anglo Indian Ebonised Folding Tea Table
Period: 19th Century
Material: Indian Hardwood
 
Tabletop : Corner to corner = 100cm, width across square side to side =80cm
 
Height of Table: 59cm
 
A rare and exceptionally beautiful, profusely pierced,retriculated and carved folding table. Compositionally carved with animalia including peacocks, snakes mythological creatures,  scrolling fruits, and foliate. It was made at the end of the 19th century in the town of Nagina, then known for its cabinet making workshops. This type of object executed by Muslims has an abstract ornamental repertoire, typical of a great sobriety of Nagina’s production.
 
In addition to its exceptional decoration, it is important to note that it is composed of a square top on a folding octagonal base, which is extremely complex to achieve from a technical point of view. This effect gives a dynamic dimension to the work, which once again proves the exception and rarity of this table.
 
solid construction folds, opens and sits as it should. It has a pleasing patina to its surface which uncovers the rich redness of Indian ebony wood.
 
Larger than an end on console, as occasional, centre or in a zone, would bring Eastern flavour to any room.
 
Interestingly strawberry fruit is incorporated in the design, a little research has found the production of strawberries india during British rule exploded, strawberry tea parties were a novelty, strawberries were made into Jam And luscious to eat with Indian dairy deserts.
Reminiscent of the types of furniture first brought interiors by Walpole at Strawberry Hill, depicted in a 1788 watercolour by artist John Carter.
Extremely decorative across styles - Animal / Animalier/Colonial//Indian/Campaign/Islamic.
 
The table top can be removed from the base and the base can be folded for easy storage and transportation and is of stable construction. 
 
 
Useful and unusual square top form  accentuated with projecting ogee form corners.
Displays a desirable aged patina.
Teak stocks present ebonised deep chestnut hues and patination.
In two pieces for ease of storage, in the campaign manner
Enthusiastically  carved to all surfaces, offering a distinguished appeal. A melange of vines with central a flowerhead medallion and animalia.
Each section enhanced with a host of quality fretwork panels and bold shaped brackets and tapering ogee legs.