A high-relief carved ebony table cabinet
Sri Lanka (or Batavia), late 17th-early 18th century
H. 33.7 x W. 51 x D. 33 cm
Provenance:
Berkeley Estate, thence by descent
A beautifully carved ebony table cabinet, carved on all sides with two doors carved in- and outside, revealing seven small drawers, with gilt and engraved copper mounts and hinges and the carcass of Indian rosewood.
With a paper label underneath with initials MCB in manuscript. 'MCB' most likely relates to Lady Mary Catherine Berkeley (1829-1924), née Browne, daughter of Thomas Browne, the 3rd Earl of Kenmare (Ireland). In 1851 she married Robert Berkeley of Worcestershire and they lived at Overbury Court House, Overbury, Worcestershire.
H. 33.7 x W. 51 x D. 33 cm
Provenance:
Berkeley Estate, thence by descent
A beautifully carved ebony table cabinet, carved on all sides with two doors carved in- and outside, revealing seven small drawers, with gilt and engraved copper mounts and hinges and the carcass of Indian rosewood.
With a paper label underneath with initials MCB in manuscript. 'MCB' most likely relates to Lady Mary Catherine Berkeley (1829-1924), née Browne, daughter of Thomas Browne, the 3rd Earl of Kenmare (Ireland). In 1851 she married Robert Berkeley of Worcestershire and they lived at Overbury Court House, Overbury, Worcestershire.
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The carving in the crest of the chairs represents the Garuda, the eagle of Vishnu. Similar chairs can be found in the Wolvendaal Church in Colombo. The wood is probably Bädi-del wood or Breadfruit (Artocarpus Nobilis). However, the red lacquer may have been applied in Batavia after a VOC official stationed in Sri Lanka moved there.
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