Antique carved hardwood circular side table with rosewood top, Myanmar

Antique carved hardwood circular side table with rosewood top, Myanmar
Burmese, 19th Century
Height 69cm, diameter 62cm
 
This heavily-carved circular side table was crafted in the 19th Century in Burma (modern-day Myanmar). Myanmar is associated with the production of fine, highly-intricate wood carvings, which were often inspired by Buddhism, or pre-Buddhist Animist beliefs.
 
The hardwood table features a circular top, with a polished rosewood inlaid centre. This is encircled by a profusion of low-relief carvings, depicting monkeys, elephants and birds, surrounded by foliage, hills and Myanmar architecture. This band of carved ornament is ringed by a raised, pierced gallery. A curvy-edged skirt runs along the top of the table, and is deeply carved with scrolling foliage.
 
A baluster-shaped stem supports the table top. This has a leafy top, and foliate carved stem, with a fluted base. The stem is set on three legs with scrolled feet, which are decorated with three-dimensional carvings of wild cats and baboons.
 
This table is a truly exquisite piece of Myanmar wood carving, which will add real character to an interior.