Set of Four Anglo Indian Ebony Side Chairs

Set of Four Anglo Indian Ebony Side Chairs

A superb set of four Anglo-Indian ebony side chairs, dating from the mid-19th century, exemplifying the height of Ceylonese craftsmanship with their intricate foliate carvings and stately presence. These exceptional kitchen & dining room chairs blend the grandeur of British colonial style with the artistry of Indian decorative motifs.

Origin: Sri Lanka (Ceylon), Asia
Date: Circa 1850
Material: Ebony

Dimensions:
Height: 85 cm (33.5 in)
Height of Seat: 45 cm (17.7 in)
Width: 50 cm (19.7 in)
Depth: 50 cm (19.7 in)

Condition: Excellent, displaying a fine patina consistent with age and minimal historic restoration.

These Anglo-Indian side chairs are a remarkable example of cross-cultural design during the British Raj, where Western forms met Eastern embellishment. Comparable pieces can be found in notable museum collections, celebrated for their dynamic blend of functionality and elaborate decoration. The fusion of reeded frames with deeply carved foliate back splats demonstrates the impressive skill of 19th-century Ceylonese artisans working in the colonial idiom.

Notable Features:

• Masterful craftsmanship, with boldly carved foliate motifs adorning the back splats and front legs
• Reeded frames and turned, fluted legs providing structural elegance and stability
• Each chair displays hand-carved foliate details, characteristic of fine Anglo-Indian seating of the era
• Rich ebony lends a dramatic, luxurious presence, further enhanced by the chairs’ harmonious proportions

These dining room chairs hold significant collecting value due to their rarity, authentic 19th-century origins, and conservation of original caned seats. Their sculptural silhouettes and intricate carving offer both visual interest and historical depth, making them highly desirable for discerning collectors, interior designers, or those wishing to furnish a dining room with a storied sense of heritage.

Ideal for display or everyday use, this set of four ebony side chairs provides a striking focal point in both period and contemporary settings. Their robust construction and timeless design ensure they remain as practical and comfortable today as when they were first created, enhancing any kitchen or dining room with an air of refined sophistication.