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ID #SA1226654
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£16,850
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A Fine Chinese Export Amboyna and Ebony Campaign Kneehole Desk
Loveday Antiques
for sale €19,715     $21,400
£16,850
Loveday Antiques

Loveday Antiques

Sellingantiques Verified Since Mar 2012
View Dealers Stock Page
  • About Us
    Specialist furniture dealers 18th-20th century
  • Trade Associations
    Loveday Antiques is a registered member of LAPADA  BADA  CINOA
Id #SA1226654
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A Fine Chinese Export Amboyna and Ebony Campaign Kneehole Desk

19th century
For Sale by Loveday Antiques
Description

Rare and outstanding example of an early 19th century Anglo-Chinese export amboyna and ebony campaign kneehole desk retaining the original patina with wonderful colour.

China circa 1830

One of the finest examples you will see, constructed using thick hand sawn cuts of amboyna and solid ebony with ivory stringing and countersunk brass pulls to the camphor wood lined drawers, having brass drop carrying handles to each side. The rectangular top with book matched amboyna veneers enclosed by a solid ebony boarder above a frieze drawer fitted with an adjustable inset velvet lined writing slope flanked by multiple sliding lidded compartments and pen rests.

Below is an arrangement of nine ivory strung drawers and a kneehole recess with foliate carved and pierced ankle brackets, the whole being raised on eight solid ebony turned feet.

This impressive colonial inspired desk is Chinese and would have been intended for the export market. Some years back this desk was often mistaken to have been Anglo-Indian due to the fact it shares many characteristics of Indian furniture, this was due to the fact that many Chinese immigrant crasftman where employed to make Indian furniture.

The finest materials have been used for this desk, amboyna figuring is generally profuse but on this desk it is exceptional. The condition is also quite remarkable having a superb original untouched colour and patina.

Please note this piece has been registered with the government as exempt from the ivory ban as contains less than 10% therefore legal to sell to any collection.

Mallets owned a davenport of similar construction which is illustrated in the Mallet Millennium book page 195 plate 249.

Width: 41 1/4 inches - 104.5cm

Height: 31 3/4 inches - 80.5cm

Depth: 19 inches - 48.5cm

Physical Dimensions
Height
80.5cm (31.69")
Width
104.5cm (41.14")
Depth
48.5cm (19.09")
Declaration

Loveday Antiques has dated this Amboyna Campaign Kneehole Desk to the 19th Century.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Reference
SA1226654
Dealers Internal Reference
2861
Dealers Notes

Loveday Antiques is a family run business originally established since 1969 in London.

Now in its second generation, Loveday Antiques specialises in an eclectic mix of 18th to 20th Century European furniture and works of art, with a strong emphasis on quality, uniqueness and colour.

As proud members of BADA & LAPADA, the largest association for professional art and antique dealers in the United Kingdom and members of CINOA, the worldwide association for antique dealers you can buy from us with 100% confidence and reassurance as we are committed to upholding and abiding by the strict standards of each association.

Our clients can rest assured that each item is as described and photographed.

All Items are sold with 100% satisfaction 14 day money back guarantee, return delivery will be charged for.

We deliver within the UK for usually between £60-£80 and ship worldwide with professional bespoke crating via air to almost all locations. Please contact us at Loveday Antiques with your full postal address for a very competitive quote.

Delivery within the mainland UK will usually be with 7 to 14 days but please allow up to 28 days. We also ship worldwide with a professional bespoke crating service and large International couriers via air and sea to almost all locations. Please contact us at Loveday Antiques with your full postal address for a very competitive quote.

GOODS

All items listed are in excellent condition having been restored using traditional methods by experienced cabinet makers and polishers keeping the original colour and patina wherever possible.

Please bear in mind you may find the usual markings with antique furniture that are commensurate with age which all add to beauty and uniqueness of the item.

VIEWINGS

We have a reputation for being long established antique dealers in London having had showrooms concurrently running in Islington, Chelsea and Ascot. We have relocated our new showroom, due to London overheads, easily reached between A1 or A10 to just outside of Hertford, Hertfordshire.

We will happily arrange for clients to be collected travelling via train. Local stations being Hertford North, Stevenage and Ware, all being a 10 minute drive from us.

Please contact us for location and appointments.

Telephone: 01438 869 819

Payments accepted are Bank Transfer, Cheque, Major Credit Cards or Cash.

Opening Times

Monday to Saturday 9.00am - 5.30pm Please email or call beforehand to make an appointment.

If outside of these times again please call to make an appointment

We have more than 40 years experience in supplying Antique furniture to the trade, public and interior designers from all parts of the world so please buy with confidence as we have passed the test of time.

Description
Rare and outstanding example of an early 19th century Anglo-Chinese export amboyna and ebony campaign kneehole desk retaining the original patina with wonderful colour.

China circa 1830

One of the finest examples you will see, constructed using thick hand sawn cuts of amboyna and solid ebony with ivory stringing and countersunk brass pulls to the camphor wood lined drawers, having brass drop carrying handles to each side. The rectangular top with book matched amboyna veneers enclosed by a solid ebony boarder above a frieze drawer fitted with an adjustable inset velvet lined writing slope flanked by multiple sliding lidded compartments and pen rests.

Below is an arrangement of nine ivory strung drawers and a kneehole recess with foliate carved and pierced ankle brackets, the whole being raised on eight solid ebony turned feet.
Loveday Antiques
fig 1. A 19th-century Chinese export kneehole campaign desk crafted from figured amboyna wood with ebony borders and brass carrying handles.
fig 1. A Fine Chinese Export Amboyna and Ebony Campaign Kneehole Desk

This impressive colonial inspired desk is Chinese and would have been intended for the export market. Some years back this desk was often mistaken to have been Anglo-Indian due to the fact it shares many characteristics of Indian furniture, this was due to the fact that many Chinese immigrant crasftman where employed to make Indian furniture.

fig 2. A 19th-century Chinese export kneehole campaign desk crafted from figured amboyna wood with ebony borders and brass carrying handles.
fig 2. A Fine Chinese Export Amboyna and Ebony Campaign Kneehole Desk

The finest materials have been used for this desk, amboyna figuring is generally profuse but on this desk it is exceptional. The condition is also quite remarkable having a superb original untouched colour and patina.

fig 3. A 19th-century Chinese export kneehole campaign desk crafted from figured amboyna wood with ebony borders and brass carrying handles.
fig 3. A Fine Chinese Export Amboyna and Ebony Campaign Kneehole Desk

Please note this piece has been registered with the government as exempt from the ivory ban as contains less than 10% therefore legal to sell to any collection.

Mallets owned a davenport of similar construction which is illustrated in the Mallet Millennium book page 195 plate 249.

Width: 41 1/4 inches - 104.5cm

Height: 31 3/4 inches - 80.5cm

Depth: 19 inches - 48.5cm

Height
80.5cm (31.69")
Width
104.5cm (41.14")
Depth
48.5cm (19.09")
Date of Manufacture

Loveday Antiques has dated this Amboyna Campaign Kneehole Desk to the 19th Century.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Ref
SA1226654
Dealers Internal Ref
2861
Loveday Antiques
Loveday Antiques
Sellingantiques verified Since Mar 2012

Specialist furniture dealers 18th-20th century

Dealer Profile

You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Loveday Antiques Profile Page

Trade Associations

Loveday Antiques is a registered member of LAPADA  BADA  CINOA

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A 19th-century Chinese export kneehole campaign desk crafted from figured amboyna wood with ebony borders and brass carrying handles.
1 / 9
Archive I A 19th-century Chinese export kneehole campaign desk crafted from figured amboyna wood with ebony borders and brass carrying handles.

A Fine Chinese Export Amboyna and Ebony Campaign Kneehole Desk

Archive II A 19th-century Chinese export kneehole campaign desk crafted from figured amboyna wood with ebony borders and brass carrying handles. View II
Archive III A 19th-century Chinese export kneehole campaign desk crafted from figured amboyna wood with ebony borders and brass carrying handles. View III
Archive IV A 19th-century Chinese export kneehole campaign desk crafted from figured amboyna wood with ebony borders and brass carrying handles. View IV
Archive V A 19th-century Chinese export kneehole campaign desk crafted from figured amboyna wood with ebony borders and brass carrying handles. View V
Archive VI A 19th-century Chinese export kneehole campaign desk crafted from figured amboyna wood with ebony borders and brass carrying handles. View VI
Archive VII A 19th-century Chinese export kneehole campaign desk crafted from figured amboyna wood with ebony borders and brass carrying handles. View VII
Archive VIII A 19th-century Chinese export kneehole campaign desk crafted from figured amboyna wood with ebony borders and brass carrying handles. View VIII
Archive IX A 19th-century Chinese export kneehole campaign desk crafted from figured amboyna wood with ebony borders and brass carrying handles. View IX
Enlarged Archival View
Telephone 01438 869819
Location
Benington
Hertfordshire
United Kingdom
Verified Since Mar 2012
Items For Sale 80
Items Sold 944
Loveday Antiques
Loveday Antiques
Verified Since Mar 2012
View Dealer Info
Location: Benington, Hertfordshire, United Kingdom
Verified
Mar 2012
For Sale
80
Sold
944
A 19th-century Chinese export kneehole campaign desk crafted from figured amboyna wood with ebony borders and brass carrying handles.
A Fine Chinese Export Amboyna and Ebony Campaign Kneehole Desk
Ref: SA1226654
A 19th-century Chinese export kneehole campaign desk crafted from figured amboyna wood with ebony borders and brass carrying handles.
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Archival Detail
Every single antique dealer on our platform is individually approved by our internal team. We verify their professional trade history, ethical standards, and photographic quality to ensure a secure, high-standard buying environment. Upon joining, every dealer agrees to a strict 9-point code of conduct. While issues can occasionally arise, our dealers typically resolve them swiftly and directly with the buyer. In fact, since our founding in 2002, Sellingantiques has only had to step in to help resolve an issue on roughly five occasions—a true testament to the quality of our dealers and their dedication to your happiness.
Our dealers are highly experienced in packing and shipping fragile, high-value antiques. Because you are in direct contact with the dealer, you will be able to easily go through all available shipping and insurance options together to ensure your item arrives safely.
Antiques are the ultimate green purchase. By choosing historical pieces over newly manufactured goods, you completely eliminate the carbon footprint of modern mass production while preserving exceptional, timeless craftsmanship.

Chinese Export campaign furniture was produced by artisan workshops in Asian port cities during the 18th and 19th centuries, designed specifically for transportability with modular construction, robust timbers, and flush-fitting brass hardware.

These pieces frequently incorporate highly figured amboyna veneers bordered by dense ebony or teak mouldings, combined with mortised brass corner caps, drawer pulls, and side carrying handles.

Authentic examples feature sectional construction that separates into two or three portable units, flush brass hardware mortised directly into the woodwork, side carrying handles, and hand-cut dovetail joinery.

Position the desk as a focal point in a home office or library, pairing its detailed wood grain with clean-lined modern seating and neutral wall colours to highlight the timber tones.

Position the piece away from direct heat sources and radiators to prevent veneer movement, wipe gently with a dry microfibre cloth, and apply high-grade beeswax sparingly to protect the polished surface.
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