{"title":"Padouk in the Decorative Arts of the 18th and 19th Centuries","description":"\u003cp data-start=\"207\" data-end=\"629\"\u003ePadouk, also known as padauk, is a striking hardwood from tropical regions of Africa and Asia. Celebrated for its durability and its distinctive reddish-brown hue, it became a highly prized material in the decorative arts of the 18th and 19th centuries. Its resilience against wear and weathering, combined with its ability to be finely carved, made it a favourite of artisans across India, Burma, Indonesia, and Europe.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"631\" data-end=\"980\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"631\" data-end=\"651\"\u003eIndian Furniture\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"651\" data-end=\"654\"\u003eIn India, padouk was widely used in the production of elaborately carved cabinets, chests, and screens. Indian craftsmen showcased the wood’s rich grain and warmth, creating furniture that epitomised opulence and refinement. These pieces often bore intricate designs reflecting the region’s cultural and artistic traditions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"982\" data-end=\"1318\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"982\" data-end=\"1003\"\u003eBurmese Furniture\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"1003\" data-end=\"1006\"\u003eIn Burma, padouk was treasured for its robustness and vibrant colour. Panels of padouk were often incorporated into lacquerware chests, providing a striking contrast to the glossy black lacquer. It also featured in furniture such as tables, chairs, and bedsteads, valued both for its resilience and its beauty.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1320\" data-end=\"1559\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1320\" data-end=\"1344\"\u003eIndonesian Furniture\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"1344\" data-end=\"1347\"\u003eIn Indonesia, padouk was often used in combination with teak. Its reddish tone enlivened traditional furniture, appearing as decorative carvings or accents on cabinet doors, drawers, and architectural ornament.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1561\" data-end=\"1929\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1561\" data-end=\"1584\"\u003eImported to England\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"1584\" data-end=\"1587\"\u003eBy the 18th century, padouk was being imported to England, where cabinet makers prized it as an exotic and workable timber. It was used as veneer, in marquetry, and as a bold contrast against lighter or darker woods. Furniture infused with padouk graced refined interiors, reflecting both global trade and the appetite for exotic materials.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1931\" data-end=\"2170\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1931\" data-end=\"1954\"\u003eTurning and Carving\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"1954\" data-end=\"1957\"\u003ePadouk’s workability extended to turning and carving. It was shaped into delicate finials, knobs, and spindles, and carved into appliqués, panels, and architectural details, further highlighting its versatility.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2172\" data-end=\"2458\"\u003eThroughout the 18th and 19th centuries, padouk played a significant role in decorative arts, embodying the era’s fascination with exoticism and craftsmanship. Today, antique padouk furniture is sought after by collectors for its rich colour, historical resonance, and timeless appeal.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"padouk-low-table","title":"Padouk Low Table","description":"\u003cp\u003ePadouk Low Table\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA distinguished piece from the late nineteenth century, the Padouk Low Table exemplifies refined Anglo-Indian craftsmanship. Crafted circa 1900, this substantial table brings together the enduring beauty of padouk wood with a robust and practical form, making it a striking addition to both classic and contemporary interiors.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOrigin: India\u003cbr\u003eDate: Circa 1900\u003cbr\u003eMaterial: Padouk wood\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDimensions:\u003cbr\u003eHeight: —\u003cbr\u003eLength: 251 cm (99 ins)\u003cbr\u003eWidth: 174 cm (68.5 ins, in 3 parts)\u003cbr\u003eThickness of top: 8 cm (3.15 ins)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCondition: Excellent patina, displaying only minor signs of wear consistent with age\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis low table stands as a testament to the Indian woodworking tradition of the late Victorian era, where British influence met indigenous techniques and materials. Similar examples can be seen in the collections of decorative arts museums, celebrated for their magnificent scale and honest construction. The Padouk Low Table offers a rare chance to own a tangible piece of colonial-era furniture design, blending the strong lines favoured by British taste with the warmth and richness of Indian hardwoods.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNotable Features:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRobust three-plank construction showcasing the dramatic grain and colour of padouk\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRaised on A-frame stretchers, lending both strength and architectural interest\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSubstantial top thickness, highlighting durability and artisanal workmanship\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eExceptionally generous scale, perfect for larger living spaces or statement display\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe padouk wood has been expertly finished to enhance its natural lustre, ensuring that the surface remains both visually captivating and practical for everyday use. The straightforward, functional design with its restrained detailing is evocative of British colonial aesthetics, while the use of local Indian timber brings a unique texture and presence to the piece.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCollectors will appreciate the rarity of low tables of this size and material, particularly those boasting such an attractive patina and authentic construction. This table not only serves as an impressive focal point for any room but also caters superbly as both a coffee table and a statement display surface. For connoisseurs seeking a blend of practicality and historical significance, the Padouk Low Table is a valuable and stylish investment.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Collection EE40","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51153396531537,"sku":"14492","price":30000.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0935\/5873\/5185\/files\/0W2A0223-2-scaled-1.webp?v=1747990520"},{"product_id":"anglo-indian-tea-caddy-c-1760","title":"Anglo-Indian Tea Caddy, c. 1760","description":"\u003cp\u003eCrafted from solid padouk wood, this Anglo-Indian tea caddy features a finely inlaid Tree of Life motif—symbolising growth and interconnectedness—enhanced by intricate engraving and black lac detailing. Resting on bracket feet, the caddy reflects the fusion of Indian craftsmanship and European design during the colonial era. \u003cbr\u003eIndia, circa 1760\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHeight: 16 cms (6.3 ins)\u003cbr\u003eWidth : 25 cms (9.8 ins)\u003cbr\u003eDepth: 14.5 cms (5.7 ins)\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Nwtiques","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51236186980689,"sku":"13794","price":9800.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0935\/5873\/5185\/files\/background-editor_output_2a16b299-0664-4a7b-bc91-35d7b2389fba.png?v=1749534805"},{"product_id":"monumental-indo-dutch-colonial-padouk-and-ebony-chest","title":"A Monumental Indo-Dutch Padouk and Ebony Brass-Mounted Chest, circa 1880","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCirca 1880\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e200 cm wide × 100 cm deep × 100 cm high\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"qMYqUG_convSearchResultHighlightRoot\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"\"\u003e\n\u003csection class=\"text-token-text-primary w-full focus:outline-none has-data-writing-block:pointer-events-none [\u0026amp;:has([data-writing-block])\u0026gt;*]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(--scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(--thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-[calc(var(--header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]\" dir=\"auto\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"text-base my-auto mx-auto pb-8 [--thread-content-margin:var(--thread-content-margin-xs,calc(var(--spacing)*4))] @w-sm\/main:[--thread-content-margin:var(--thread-content-margin-sm,calc(var(--spacing)*6))] @w-lg\/main:[--thread-content-margin:var(--thread-content-margin-lg,calc(var(--spacing)*16))] px-(--thread-content-margin)\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"[--thread-content-max-width:40rem] @w-lg\/main:[--thread-content-max-width:48rem] mx-auto max-w-(--thread-content-max-width) flex-1 group\/turn-messages focus-visible:outline-hidden relative flex w-full min-w-0 flex-col agent-turn\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"flex max-w-full flex-col gap-4 grow\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv dir=\"auto\" class=\"min-h-8 text-message relative flex w-full flex-col items-end gap-2 text-start break-words whitespace-normal outline-none keyboard-focused:focus-ring [.text-message+\u0026amp;]:mt-1\" tabindex=\"0\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"flex w-full flex-col gap-1 empty:hidden\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"fbskMG_root yWcLfW_streamingContainer markdown prose dark:prose-invert wrap-break-word w-full dark markdown-new-styling\"\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchorContainer\"\u003eAn exceptionally large and imposing \u003cstrong\u003eIndo-Dutch colonial chest\u003c\/strong\u003e, dating to circa 1880, constructed principally from richly figured \u003cstrong\u003epadouk\u003c\/strong\u003e with contrasting dark \u003cstrong\u003eebony\u003c\/strong\u003e architectural mouldings and brass mounts.\u003cspan class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchor\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOf monumental proportions, the chest has a broad rectangular hinged top framed by a substantial moulded ebony border. The remarkable expanses of padouk display particularly expressive natural figuring, ranging from sweeping linear grain to tightly knotted and swirling patterns, the timber's rich reddish-brown colour giving the otherwise restrained form considerable visual warmth and character.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe front is conceived almost architecturally, with the great central panel enclosed between \u003cstrong\u003eebony turned and moulded pilasters\u003c\/strong\u003e. Shaped brass corner mounts punctuate the four corners, while an elaborate pierced brass escutcheon is positioned centrally beneath the lid. Corresponding brass mounts ornament the sides and top, their warm golden colour providing a handsome contrast with the richly coloured padouk and almost black ebony.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA deep, multiple-moulded plinth runs around the base, the chest raised upon substantial \u003cstrong\u003eturned bun feet\u003c\/strong\u003e, reinforcing its powerful proportions. The combination of European-derived architectural detailing with indigenous Asian hardwoods and decorative brasswork is characteristic of the hybrid furniture traditions that developed under Dutch and wider European colonial influence in South and Southeast Asia.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAt \u003cstrong\u003etwo metres wide and approximately one metre in both height and depth\u003c\/strong\u003e, this is an unusually monumental example. Its exceptional scale, bold architectural construction and extensive use of beautifully figured padouk give it a commanding presence, while the ebony and brass detailing lends considerable refinement to what was fundamentally conceived as a substantial storage chest.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIndo-Dutch Colonial, circa 1880\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePadouk, ebony and brass\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/strong\u003e H 100 × W 200 × D 100 cm\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"z-0 flex min-h-[46px] justify-start\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"mt-3 w-full empty:hidden has-[\u0026gt;_:empty]:hidden\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"text-center\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"[--thread-content-max-width:40rem] @w-lg\/main:[--thread-content-max-width:48rem] mx-auto max-w-(--thread-content-max-width) flex-1\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/section\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"pointer-events-none -mt-px h-px translate-y-(--scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom)\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Nwtiques","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54852237328721,"sku":null,"price":7500.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0935\/5873\/5185\/files\/centeredfrontviewofHugechest.webp?v=1791385527"}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0935\/5873\/5185\/collections\/0W2A0223-2-scaled-1.webp?v=1757796866","url":"https:\/\/nwtiques.com\/collections\/padouk.oembed","provider":"Nicholas Wells Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}