Important Notice

Ebony, cane
Each 39 x 21 x 17.5 in (99.1 x 53.3 x 44.4 cm)



A set of eight rare, and supremely elegant Anglo-Indian Georgian-style dining chairs with downward curving arms, caned seats and backs.


Ebony has had a long history of being a prized and coveted material in furniture design. Growing only in certain parts of Africa and Asia, this 'exotic' wood was so highly valued that 17th century cabinetmakers would stamp their pieces with the word 'eben' to prevent imitation materials from devaluing their work (David Linley, Charles Cator and Helen Chislett, "Materials", Star Pieces: The Enduring Beauty of Spectacular Furniture, Thames & Hudson, London, 2009, p.33).


The present lot is a fine example of Anglo-Indian furniture. The term 'Anglo-Indian' in context of furniture is used when describing furniture produced in India from the 18th century onwards until the early 20th century, that was a result of British influence on Indian furniture design, where local cabinetmakers began reproducing Western-style furniture for the local market in the late Georgian, Regency, and Victorian styles. While complete sets such as the present lot are rare, similar examples can be found in distinguished collections in India and abroad.

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