Beautiful 19th Century Linear Padauk Sideboard c. 1850

Finished to back and sides with inset fielded panels, it can be placed centrally in a room and act as a table or at the side of a room as a sideboard. The drawer fronts have been carved in the solid to create a raised plateau with stepped back border.

 
The desk carcase in solid Padauk Wood and of the highest quality. The cabinet work is exemplary with fine hand cut dovetails neat rectangular exposed tenons which have both a practical and decorative function, typical of Canton work that was made for export to Western Europe.

Padauk is a rare and very beautiful wood. It is heavier, more dense and has greater endurance than oak. When cut it has purple hues and a swirling grain with contrasting light and dark heartwood similar to rosewood. The drawer linings on this desk show this beautiful colour and grain particularly well.

All of the drawers open and close smoothly and are long, tall and deep, providing a considerable amount of storage space.
Minor marks and scuffs to the back of the desk, small knocks and dings consistent with age, a few of the internal drawer runners have been replaced – professional work done some time ago and entirely usual for a desk after a century and a half of use.

 
Colour and finish is lovely, rich and deep and consistent throughout including to the top with no significant marks, stains or scratches.

The desk separates for transport into three parts - upper desk and the two pedestals – and is fitted back together and held firm by internal wooden locating lozenges.The linear minimalist lines would sit well with a modern interior, a piece ahead of its time. The beautiful and form of the desk conceals its highly complex, high quality and detailed construction.

A wonderful and rare piece of mid 19th Century Chinese Export furniture in an extremely rare and beautiful timber.