{"product_id":"exceptional-18th-century-indonesian-amboyna-ebony-portable-writing-desk-on-custom-stand","title":"Exceptional 18th Century Indonesian Amboyna \u0026 Ebony Portable Writing Desk on Custom Stand","description":"\u003cp class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchorContainer\"\u003ehighly decorative \u003cstrong\u003e18th-century Indonesian portable writing desk\u003c\/strong\u003e, crafted from beautiful \u003cstrong\u003eAmboyna wood\u003c\/strong\u003e with elegant \u003cstrong\u003eebony mouldings\u003c\/strong\u003e and original pierced brass mounts and carrying handles. The desk is presented on a later custom-made hardwood stand with a drawer, expertly crafted to complement the original piece and creating a wonderful writing table.\u003cspan class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchor\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOpening the sloping lid reveals a spacious writing compartment with \u003cstrong\u003ethree fitted drawers\u003c\/strong\u003e, ideal for storing documents, writing instruments and valuables. The desk retains its \u003cstrong\u003eoriginal brass lock and key\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThese portable writing desks were used by \u003cstrong\u003esenior Dutch East India Company (VOC) officials\u003c\/strong\u003e stationed throughout the Dutch East Indies. They were essential for writing reports and correspondence sent back to Batavia regarding trade, politics and daily life in the colonies, making pieces like this both functional and historically significant.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe later stand has been professionally made and blends beautifully with the original cabinet, giving the impression that the two have always belonged together.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eDimensions\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWriting desk\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHeight:\u003c\/strong\u003e 22 cm (9.4 in)\u003cspan class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchor\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWidth:\u003c\/strong\u003e 77 cm (30.3 in)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDepth:\u003c\/strong\u003e 56 cm (22 in)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOverall (with stand)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHeight: 97 cm (38.2 in)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWidth: 85 cm (33.5 in)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDepth: 59 cm (23.2 in)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eClearance under table: 59 cm (23.2 in)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFeatures\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIndonesia, 18th century\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAmboyna wood with ebony details\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOriginal pierced brass mounts and side carrying handles\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOriginal working lock and key\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSloping writing surface\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThree fitted interior drawers\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLater bespoke hardwood stand with single drawer\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRich colour and exceptional grain throughout\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eHistorical Note\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSenior VOC officials stationed throughout the Indonesian archipelago were required to produce detailed reports for the High Government in Batavia. Portable writing desks such as this accompanied them on their travels and served as indispensable tools for administration and correspondence. Original examples are increasingly scarce and highly sought after.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCondition\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eVery good antique condition with age-related wear consistent with over 250 years of use. Minor historic marks and wear are present, adding to its authentic character. The later bespoke stand has been expertly constructed and complements the writing desk beautifully.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Bridgeman Antiques","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":58276379099468,"sku":null,"price":2950.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0612\/5368\/1351\/files\/IMG20260731125629.jpg?v=1785668838","url":"https:\/\/bridgeman-antiques.com\/products\/exceptional-18th-century-indonesian-amboyna-ebony-portable-writing-desk-on-custom-stand","provider":"Bridgeman Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}