What characterises Anglo-Indian calamander furniture from the 19th century?

Anglo-Indian calamander furniture combines British Regency and Victorian forms with native Ceylonese hardwoods and craftsmanship. Calamander, a dense timber with contrasting light brown and dark stripes, was frequently paired with ebony and geometric bone or ivory stringing.

How were calamander and ebony tables constructed in the 1840s?

Tables from this period feature hand-cut veneers laid over native timber cores, arranged in radial or parquetry patterns. Structural joinery relied on traditional mortise-and-tenon construction, with relief carving executed directly into solid ebony components.

How do you identify authentic Ceylonese colonial centre tables?

Authentic pieces exhibit dense exotic hardwoods such as calamander, coromandel, or satinwood, often accompanied by complex starburst inlaid tops. Examination of the underside reveals hand-sawn timber marks, original glue blocks, and characteristic Ceylonese carving motifs on the base.

How can an antique centre table be styled in a modern interior?

A circular centre table works as a focal point in a formal entryway, foyer, or spacious living area. Placing simple modern ceramic vessels or architectural foliage atop the table creates a balanced contrast against the detailed woodwork.

How should dark hardwood and inlaid wood veneers be maintained?

Dusting with a dry microfibre cloth removes surface debris without micro-scratching the polished finish. Avoid direct sunlight and rapid humidity fluctuations to prevent veneer movement or lifting, applying natural beeswax sparingly to nourish the wood.

for sale €38,025 $41,275

£32,500

Knight Fine Antiques and Collectables

Sellingantiques Verified Since Aug 2024

View Dealers Stock Page

Relevant Links

Marquetry Foyer Table

Ceylonese Centre Table

Antique Anglo Indian Furniture

Id #SA1225074

PDF

SAVE

Antique Ceylonese Ebony & Calamander Centre Table, Circa 1840

Name: Antique Ceylonese Ebony & Calamander Centre Table, Circa 1840
Brand: Antique
SKU: SA1225074
Price: 32500 GBP
Availability: InStock

19th century

For Sale by Knight Fine Antiques and Collectables

Description

An impressive Ceylonese centre table, dating to circa 1840, during the late William IV to early Victorian period, crafted from solid ebony and calamander.

The table stands on a substantial solid ebony turned central column, boldly carved with acanthus leaf ornament. Six finely carved scroll supports radiate from the column, uniting it with the base, which is constructed from calamander, ebony and raised on solid bun feet.

The top is particularly impressive, veneered in radiating sections of calamander, forming a striking sunburst or ship’s wheel design. Whilst Ceylonese tables are often encountered with specimen wood tops, this distinctive radiating design is exceptionally unusual, and we have been unable to locate another recorded example featuring this remarkable pattern.

The top is further enriched with ivory inlay, accompanied by an exceptionally fine line of silver stringing subtly inlaid alongside the ivory, a delicate detail that beautifully highlights the extraordinary level of craftsmanship. Contrasting timber stringing further accentuates the radiating design, while at its centre is an ivory roundel depicting an Asian-inspired decorative motif. The ebony frieze and moulded edge are richly carved in low relief with scrolling flowers and foliage, providing a striking contrast to the geometric precision of the tabletop and demonstrating the exceptional quality of the carving throughout.

The top is secured to the base with original bolts and can be tilted upright, allowing the remarkable veneering and inlay to be displayed when not in use, or lowered for use as an impressive centre table.

Formerly known as Ceylon, modern-day Sri Lanka was internationally celebrated during the nineteenth century for producing some of the finest decorative hardwood furniture in the British Empire. The island’s cabinetmakers worked with indigenous timbers of exceptional quality, most notably ebony and calamander. Calamander, sometimes historically referred to as Coromandel wood, is one of the world’s rarest and most highly prized decorative hardwoods. Native to Sri Lanka, it is renowned for its rich golden-brown colouring dramatically figured with dark black streaks, making it one of the most sought-after exotic timbers used by nineteenth-century cabinetmakers. Combined with solid ebony and the refined ivory and silver inlay, these exceptional materials place this table amongst the finest examples of Ceylonese craftsmanship.

UK Ivory Act 2018 Registration Reference: ZTNP6RPA

Dimensions:

• Height: 83 cm (32.68 in)

• Width: 154 cm (60.63 in)

• Depth: 154 cm (60.63 in)

Delivery:

Free UK mainland delivery (excluding Scottish islands and other UK islands).

We are happy to arrange international delivery please contact us for a quotation.

Physical Dimensions

Height

83cm (32.68")

Width

154cm (60.63")

Depth

154cm (60.63")

Declaration

Knight Fine Antiques and Collectables has dated this Calamander Ebony Centre Table to the 19th Century.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Reference

SA1225074

Dealers Notes

Delivery:

Free UK mainland delivery (excluding Scottish islands and other UK islands).

International delivery available — please contact us or request a quote.

Description

An impressive Ceylonese centre table, dating to circa 1840, during the late William IV to early Victorian period, crafted from solid ebony and calamander.

“

The table stands on a substantial solid ebony turned central column, boldly carved with acanthus leaf ornament.

Knight Fine Antiques and Collectables

Six finely carved scroll supports radiate from the column, uniting it with the base, which is constructed from calamander, ebony and raised on solid bun feet.

fig 1. Overhead view of a circular centre table top showing radiating calamander wood veneers, light stringing, a central star motif, and a carved ebony border. — fig 1. Antique Ceylonese Ebony & Calamander Centre Table, Circa 1840

The top is particularly impressive, veneered in radiating sections of calamander, forming a striking sunburst or ship’s wheel design. Whilst Ceylonese tables are often encountered with specimen wood tops, this distinctive radiating design is exceptionally unusual, and we have been unable to locate another recorded example featuring this remarkable pattern.

fig 2. Overhead view of a circular centre table top showing radiating calamander wood veneers, light stringing, a central star motif, and a carved ebony border. — fig 2. Antique Ceylonese Ebony & Calamander Centre Table, Circa 1840

The top is further enriched with ivory inlay, accompanied by an exceptionally fine line of silver stringing subtly inlaid alongside the ivory, a delicate detail that beautifully highlights the extraordinary level of craftsmanship. Contrasting timber stringing further accentuates the radiating design, while at its centre is an ivory roundel depicting an Asian-inspired decorative motif. The ebony frieze and moulded edge are richly carved in low relief with scrolling flowers and foliage, providing a striking contrast to the geometric precision of the tabletop and demonstrating the exceptional quality of the carving throughout.

fig 3. Overhead view of a circular centre table top showing radiating calamander wood veneers, light stringing, a central star motif, and a carved ebony border. — fig 3. Antique Ceylonese Ebony & Calamander Centre Table, Circa 1840

The top is secured to the base with original bolts and can be tilted upright, allowing the remarkable veneering and inlay to be displayed when not in use, or lowered for use as an impressive centre table.

fig 4. Overhead view of a circular centre table top showing radiating calamander wood veneers, light stringing, a central star motif, and a carved ebony border. — fig 4. Antique Ceylonese Ebony & Calamander Centre Table, Circa 1840

Formerly known as Ceylon, modern-day Sri Lanka was internationally celebrated during the nineteenth century for producing some of the finest decorative hardwood furniture in the British Empire. The island’s cabinetmakers worked with indigenous timbers of exceptional quality, most notably ebony and calamander. Calamander, sometimes historically referred to as Coromandel wood, is one of the world’s rarest and most highly prized decorative hardwoods. Native to Sri Lanka, it is renowned for its rich golden-brown colouring dramatically figured with dark black streaks, making it one of the most sought-after exotic timbers used by nineteenth-century cabinetmakers. Combined with solid ebony and the refined ivory and silver inlay, these exceptional materials place this table amongst the finest examples of Ceylonese craftsmanship.