Indian Kashmiri Ebonised Folding Tea Table

 
Period: 19th Century,Kashmir, Northern India.
Material: Ebonised Indian Hardwood

Tabletop : Corner to corner = 100cm, width across square side to side =80cm
Height of Table: 59cm 

A rare and exceptionally beautiful, profusely pierced and retriculated, carved folding table. Compositionally carved with animalia including peacocks, goats scrolling fruits, flowers and foliage.
 
Good solid construction folds, opens and sits as it should.   It has a pleasing patina to its surface which uncovers the richnness  of Indian ebony wood.

Larger than an end on console, as occasional, centre or in a zone, would bring Eastern flavour to any room.
 
Reminiscent of the types of furniture first brought interiors by Walpole at Strawberry Hill, depicted in a 1788 watercolour by artist John Carter.

🍓Interestingly strawberry fruit is incorporated in the design, a little research has found the production of strawberries india during British rule exploded, strawberry tea parties were a novelty, strawberries were made into Jam And luscious to eat with Indian dairy desserts.
 
The table top can be removed from the base and the base can be folded for easy storage and transportation and is of stable construction. 
 
 
Useful and unusual square top form  accentuated with projecting ogee form corners.
Displays a desirable aged patina.
Teak stocks present ebonised deep chestnut hues and patination.
In two pieces for ease of storage, in the campaign manner
Enthusiastically  carved to all surfaces, offering a distinguished appeal. A melange of vines with central a flowerhead medallion and animalia.
Each section enhanced with a host of quality fretwork panels and bold shaped brackets and tapering ogee legs.