Padouk is a dense tropical hardwood known for its deep red or reddish-brown colour and exceptional durability. It darkens naturally with age and exposure to light. Furniture makers valued it for its stability and resistance to pests, which made it suitable for export furniture produced in colonial workshops.

How do I care for padouk furniture?

Keep these pieces away from direct heat sources and strong sunlight to prevent the timber from drying out or splitting. Dust regularly with a soft, dry cloth. Apply a neutral wax polish sparingly only when the wood appears dry, avoiding silicone-based sprays that damage historic finishes.

How do I distinguish regional styles?

Anglo-Indian pieces typically feature deep floral and acanthus leaf carving applied to familiar Regency or Victorian forms. Chinese examples often utilise clean rectangular lines or stands associated with the Qing Dynasty. Burmese production frequently employs dense figural and scrolling vegetal motifs on seating and tables.