British Colonial Ebony Bureau Bookcase

Description

Exceedingly rare early 18th century English colonial Macassar ebony diminutive bureau bookcase with hexagonal oyster veneered doors, lids and drawer fronts, the sides and secondary timbers all in solid streaky ebony having rich patination, The upper section with two arched mirror doors concealing two adjustable shelves, a row of pigeon holes and two drawers, over single candle slide, the lower section with stepped interior, further pigeon holes and sliding well, over two short and two long drawers and standing on bracket base. Southern India or Sri Lanka, circa 1720. English colonial furniture of this era is very rare. England’s stronghold on India was tentative an shared with Portugal and the Netherlands. It was not until later in the 18th century when England reigned supreme that we find much “English” furniture made in the Sub continent. A piece of this quality and in this condition is exceptional.