Carved wood and cane sofa

Around when was this wood sofa/settee made? I'm thinking it might be mahogany? It has really nice carvings and caning. Measures about 80" wide, so it's pretty big. Thank you for your help.

 

Looks like the type of Indonesian import that was widely available in the 1990s. Let's see if others agree/not.

Debora

 

I was going to say it has a "colonial" vibe, meaning India/SE Asia.

 

It doesn't look old from here either, but it's a good hot weather design. I can see that in use in an Indonesian or Maylasian household or even a hotel.

 

Nice pictures and nice piece of furniture!!​

 

Thank you. After doing some research, it looks like it may be British colonial/west indies and date back to early 20th century. I can't find another one just like it so I am not sure.

 

Here's something similar.

Debora

 

And here:

https://www.1stdibs.com/furniture/s...VjitMCh2jegD2EAQYBCABEgIqI_D_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

Debora

 

And here:

https://www.1stdibs.com/furniture/s...-carved-rattan-wicker-back-seat/id-f_5916673/

Debora

 

wow....8000, 5000....you've really scored here..

 

1st Dibs is not a reliable source. Descriptions are often incorrect; prices are often inflated.

Debora

 

ya, but if they list it there....they can ask those inflated prices too !!!

 

I think we should also take into consideration the quality of carving and aging of wood and cane, or lack of aging.
While they are all good examples of colonial style furniture, it is important to remember that these are still made in Indonesia, and the emphasis in the term "colonial style" should be on "style", so not colonial era.

So I join the others in saying, this is a colonial style Indonesian sofa, made in post-colonial Indonesia any time after 1980. It was most likely made in East Java (Pasuruan) or nearby Madura.

Indonesia was a Dutch colony, not British, and Indonesia is not India or Jamaica either. So the style is not Anglo-Indian or Anglo-Caribbean, but a general colonial style.
Since the sofa was made in Indonesia, you could even call it Dutch colonial.

 

On the veranda, where you lounge in your sarung and kebaya.

I have to add, about Indonesian colonial history:
Java and some other parts were British for a couple of years, after the demise of the VOC (Dutch East India Company). This was during the Napoleonic period, when the Netherlands were under French rule.
In general the Brits could not not get used of the mixed culture of Dutch-Indonesian society, and kept themselves apart from such an "uncivilised bunch" that wore local dress during the hot hours of the day .
The excellent young Jamaican-Scottish governor of Java, Raffles, was different though. He was interested in local culture and history, and respected the Indo-European community that was all-important in dealing with local kings.
Those few years, and the distance between the British colonials and the established colonial society, did not influence furniture making.

 

I knew we'd have the definitive answer when it was morning in The Netherlands. Thank you, @Any Jewelry!

Debora

 

Forgot to say, the wood is stained, but it is most likely teakwood.
It is nice quality, but the carving is not as detailed as on some older pieces.
Very nice piece of furniture though.

 

Yes, it is.

Debora

 

Late to the conversation.... but would like to say that is one very interesting piece.
A lot going on there too, with a variety of styles with the rosette motifs, heavy fluting and the ball-and-claw feet. The shell (or sea-related object) carved at the center seems rather interesting.