41 x 24 1/4 x 28 1/2 in., height of seat 17 1/2 in.

Note: The quality of the carved ebony furniture produced in Ceylon through much of the 19th century was well known and admired and was described as "the most exquisitely carved ebony furniture conceivable". The craftsmanship of these ebony chairs was on full display at the Ceylon Court of the 1862 London Exhibition. The above offered lot displays the rich indigenous carving tradition coupled with the highly skilled Ceylonese artisan class of woodcarvers and joiners. The brining together of the local Ceylonese traditions and materials with British furniture fashion resulted in these rich hybrid pieces. Collections of Galle District ebony chairs are held at the Victorian and Albert Museum, The Peabody Essex Museum, Salem, MA, Penrhyn Castle and Powis Castle.

A similar chair is illustrated in A. Jaffer, Furniture from British Indian and Ceylon: A Catalogue of the Collection in Victoria and Albert Museum and the Peabody Essex Museum, 2001, p. 378.

Both in good overall condition with minor age splits on the armrests, minor losses and nicks throughout. Old repair on the backside of a right stile with associated age crack. Caning and suede upholstered seats in good overall condition. Not withstanding this report or any discussion concerning condition of a lot, all lots are offered and sold "as is" in accordance with our conditions of sale.