An Exceptional 18th-century Portable Music Stand Made Of Amboina And Indonesian Ebony, Mounted On A Base

An 18th-century Indonesian portable music stand, richly decorated, crafted from exceptionally beautiful Amboina wood, adorned with elegant ebony moldings and its original openwork brass hardware and carrying handles. It rests on a hardwood base, custom-made at a later date and featuring a drawer. This carefully designed base harmonizes perfectly with the original writing desk, creating a magnificent writing table.

Opening the slanted lid reveals a spacious writing compartment with three built-in drawers, ideal for storing documents, writing instruments, and valuables. The writing desk retains its original brass lock and key.

These portable writing desks were used by high-ranking officials of the Dutch East India Company (VOC) stationed in the Dutch East Indies. They were indispensable for drafting reports and correspondence sent to Batavia regarding trade, politics, and daily life in the colonies, which gives pieces like this one both functional and historical value.

The stand, crafted with great skill, blends harmoniously with the original writing desk, giving the impression that the two have always been an integral part of the set.

Dimensions
Desk

Height: 22 cm
Width: 77 cm
Depth: 56 cm
Overall dimensions (with support)

Height: 97 cm
Width: 85 cm
Depth: 59 cm
Height under the desk: 59 cm

Characteristics
Indonesia, 18th century
Amboina woodamboine with ebony details
Original openwork brass fittings and side handles
Original lock and key in working condition
Sloped top
Three built-in interior drawers
Custom-made hardwood support at the rear, with a drawer
Rich color and exceptional grain
Historical Note
High-ranking VOC officials stationed in the Indonesian archipelago were required to draft detailed reports for the High Government in Batavia. Portable writing desks like this one accompanied them on their travels and were indispensable tools for administration and correspondence. Original examples are increasingly rare and highly sought after.

Condition: Very good condition for an antique piece, showing normal signs of wear for an object over 250 years old. Slight marks and signs of wear bear witness to its history and contribute to its authenticity. The stand, custom-made at a later date, is expertly crafted and harmonizes perfectly with the writing desk.