A SRI LANKAN SATINWOOD 'BURGOMASTER' CHAIR

Sri Lanka, Galle District, first half 18th century

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The round back ending in a finial at each side and three cane-covered ovals, the round seat, cane-covered as well, supported by six connected slightly-bent feet.

H. 83.5 x W. 76 cm
Seat height 43.5 cm

Note:
In the 17th and 18th century Sri Lanka was the only place where burgomaster chairs were made for the Dutch. Later they became popular with the English and in the 19th century were copied in Indonesia, India and England. The model of this six-legged chair probably originated from Dutch Sri Lanka but how is still not known. Many burgomaster chairs were exported from Sri Lanka to Jakarta (Batavia) and to the Dutch Cape of Good Hope in the 18th century.