British Colonial Teak Wood Bookcase

About the Item

This clean-lined and substantial book cabinet was made from solid Teak wood and dates to the 1940's. It is is in the art modern or early Mid-Century Modern style. During the late British empire in India and Burma much furniture was made in the "modern" style, which could range from Art Deco/Art Moderne to the sleek Mid-Century Modern look of the 1960's. All of these "late" styles made full use of the strength and subtle grain of Asian teak to make clean-lined furniture that lacked traditional decoration such as crowns, moldings, and carved decorations of any kind. British Colonial furniture describes all furniture that was made during the empire in the British style, using local hardwoods and native furniture makers. Art Deco was the word's first truly global furniture style and it embodied the modern belief in progress. After independence, this style of furniture was adopted all over Asia as it fit the progressive spirit of the times. Since teak wood is naturally resistant to insects and moisture, a surprisingly large amount of these vintage modern pieces have survived, especially in Burma, now Myanmar. This extremely simple modern bookcase and storage cabinet dates to the late 1950's. It originally had a golden teak varnish that had badly deteriorated. It was subsequently refinished to black lacquer. The piece is remarkably intact and extremely sturdy. Despite its contemporary appearance is constructed entirely from solid hardwood, without any use of veneer, plywood, particle board, and etc... Even the joinery is traditional mortise and tenon. it is a modern piece made just like an antique.

Dimensions:

Height: 85.5 in (217.17 cm)Width: 85 in (215.9 cm)Depth: 18 in (45.72 cm)

Materials and Techniques:

Teak

Place of Origin:

Myanmar

Period:

Mid-20th Century

Date of Manufacture:

circa 1940

Condition:

Wear consistent with age and use.