Lot 104
104
AN ANGLO-INDIAN (CEYLONESE) EBONY PARTNERS' PEDESTAL DESK with inset green leather-lined moulded rectangular top above three mahogany-lined frieze drawers to each side with anthemion escutcheon flanked by recessed panels and floral paterae, each pedestal with grotesque lion-monopodiae flanking a panelled door and enclosing three graduated hardwood-lined drawers, the reverse similar but enclosing shelves, the panelled sides on plinth base enriched with foliate sprays and on scrolled feet, early 19th Century 66in. (167.5cm.) wide; 30in. (76.5cm.) high; 48in. (122cm.) deep

Details
AN ANGLO-INDIAN (CEYLONESE) EBONY PARTNERS' PEDESTAL DESK with inset green leather-lined moulded rectangular top above three mahogany-lined frieze drawers to each side with anthemion escutcheon flanked by recessed panels and floral paterae, each pedestal with grotesque lion-monopodiae flanking a panelled door and enclosing three graduated hardwood-lined drawers, the reverse similar but enclosing shelves, the panelled sides on plinth base enriched with foliate sprays and on scrolled feet, early 19th Century 66in. (167.5cm.) wide; 30in. (76.5cm.) high; 48in. (122cm.) deep

Lot Essay

The library-table's 'antique' pattern, with paired lion-monopodia enriched with Grecian palmettes, is given in George Smith's Collection of Designs for Household Furniture, 1803, pl. 87. The exotic use of ebony and synthesis of Indian elements is typical of furniture commissioned by the English in Ceylon in the early 19th century

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