Padouk is an exceptionally dense and heavy tropical hardwood known for its rich reddish-brown colour. It responds well to carving and ages to a deep, warm tone. Craftsmen favoured it for furniture destined for colonial trade due to its durability and resistance to warping in humid climates.

Where were these tables made?

The pieces originate primarily from workshops in India, Burma, and China intended for export or colonial markets. Anglo-Indian examples often reflect regional specialties from areas like Bombay. Chinese pieces align with Qing Dynasty and Republic period production standards, utilising local hardwoods and traditional joinery.

How do I care for padouk furniture?

Maintain the timber by dusting with a soft cloth and avoiding placement near direct heat sources or strong sunlight. Excessive dryness can affect dense tropical woods over time. Apply a light application of appropriate furniture wax occasionally to preserve the surface patina without building up heavy residues.

How can I tell the period?

Dating relies on stylistic markers such as Regency curves, Victorian proportions, or Qing Dynasty aesthetic details. Construction methods and hardware types also offer clues to the decade of manufacture. Comparing the carving depth and timber finishing helps distinguish mid-nineteenth-century work from later productions.