Coffee table, carved padauk wood with dragons, Anglo-Indian, 19th century – India

Impressive Anglo-Indian table made of carved padauk wood, from the second half of the 19th century. Created in colonial India, from the outset, with the intention of being exported to Europe, primarily to England. The top is circular in shape, with its entire profile carved with fine vegetal and floral motifs, finished with a bevelled edge. It rests on three legs, connected to a single richly carved central stem. The legs feature imposing sculptures of large dragons. The detail of the scales is notable, a repetitive and very realistic pattern that simulates the texture of the reptile's skin. Padauk wood, or red wood, originates from Central and West Tropical Africa, from Nigeria in the east to Congo-Kinshasa and south to Angola. It comes from several species of Pterocarpus. Commonly referred to as narra or mukwa, padauk wood is a valuable resource due to its durability, resistance, and stability once worked. Its reddish colour is quite distinctive, although it can be confused with rosewood. It is also known as vermilion due to its carmine hue. Its heartwood will be a pale orange or intense reddish-brown, and the wood darkens once cut and exposed to light. With a generally straight grain, the texture of African padauk is open and coarse, with a fine natural sheen. It is immune to termites and other insects and is very easy to work with, allowing for such types of sculptures, even very open ones. A highly decorative design, with strong visual impact and aesthetic appeal. This table can be the centrepiece of a living room, an entrance, or a bedroom; a dining table for 2 to 4 people; or even a library table for working. A high-end decorative piece that adds a distinctive touch to any space!.