An Anglo-Indian ebony and specimen woods centre table Ceylon, circa 1830

with a circular tilt- top with a leaf carved edge, inlaid with a spiral of specimen exotic woods with chevron and silver inlay, centred with an ivory medallion depicting a bird, on a lotus leaf-carved stem and three scrolling supports terminating in peacock`s heads  

COMPARATIVE LITERATURE
Amin Jaffer, Furniture from British India and Ceylon, V&A publications, 2001, p. 373, for a similar table with almost identical wood spiral  

Very good original condition. Minor losses to chevron inlay. A beautiful table and excellent example of the genre.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

The Galle District of Ceylon was famous in the 19th Century for its specimen-wood furniture, remarked upon by a traveller in 1848 who described a tea table as a `fine specimen of the Point-de-Galle inlaid work, on which we are expended the varied beauties of Ceylon`s ninety-nine species of costly wood. The skilful artificers of Galle tempt the traveller with exquisite productions of their art'; in 1850, H.C. Sirr wrote that in Galle one could find `those exquisite inlaid articles, which far surpass any specimen of Tunbridge ware that has yet been produced- ivory and various coloured native wods are inlaid upon the ebony and as the designs are well defined, the effect produced is magnificent.'; A. Jaffer, Furniture from British India and Ceylon, 2001, p.373, fig. 142 illustrates an ebony circular table with a similar specimen-wood design top. For further comparison see Sotheby`s New York, English Furniture, Ceramics and Decorations, October 20 & 21, 2003, lot 350 ($66,000).