English

circa 1830 - 1840

An early 19th century George IV Regency period adjustable Macassar ebony reading table.

The rounded rectangular ebony-veneered mahogany top with an inset pair of ratcheted book or sheet music rests, rising and falling on an adjustable brass mounted, ebonised oak centre column with lotus leaf lappets, above a floral collar over a shaped base, on flattened bun feet with recessed brass castors. The column is simulated and stands on a Macassar ebony veneered triform plinth base.

This multi-purpose table can be used for reading and writing whether standing, seated in an armchair, or lying in bed. This unusually luxurious example is veneered in Macassar ebony, and is likely to have been a special commission as no other veneered item in this valuable timber appears to be recorded. It is fitted with refined brass hardware, and a twin ratcheted top that can also be used for playing duets, whether raised or lowered.

Macassar (Makassar) ebony (Diospyros celebica) is a rare and expensive type of figured ebony, native to the island of Sulawesi, Indonesia, known for the distinctive golden stripes on an otherwise solid black ground. Ebonies are all exceptionally dense and heavy, thus notoriously hard to work, and have always been very costly, which is why Macassar was used in veneer form rather than in the solid. It has always been highly valued for its variegated figure, smooth surface, and resistance to shrinkage and warping, and is consequently now in very short supply.

Dimensions

Height 70.00cm (27.56 inches)

Width 81.00cm (31.89 inches)

Depth 47.50cm (18.7 inches)

Height Framed Height (elevated) 100.00cmcm (0 inches)

Stock No: 11716