Lee Wright Antiques & Interiors Ltd has dated this piece to the 19th Century.
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.
Lee Wright Antiques & Interiors Ltd has dated this piece to the 19th Century.
You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Lee Wright Antiques & Interiors Ltd Profile Page
Large 19th Century Anglo-indian Ebony Library Armchair
