While Michael was in England earlier in the year he discovered this exotic lacquer sewing table. These were made in China in the 1830-1850’s and transported to England by traders such as the East India Company to satisfy the English craze for Chinoiserie. Jane Austin had a similar box, hers a smaller table-top box.

These tables are rare in themselves but more amazing is the fact that this one is a veritable treasure trove of original Cantonese carved ivory tools. Wear and tear, forgetfulness, naughty children and spiteful siblings splitting a favoured inheritance are risks enough for box and tools remaining together. Unfortunately, the biggest risk these days is the entrepreneurial dealer, realising that a larger and quicker profit can be made by splitting up the tools and selling them as singles and making quick modifications to the table to hide the evidence.

The killing of elephants for ivory is a cruel tragedy and the strict ban on trading in ivory is important to protect these fantastic animals. However, our less enlightened forebears made many wonderful pieces of art from this precious material. In limited circumstances it is legal to trade ivory which is greater that 100 years old. To achieve this the ivory must be inspected and certified in the UK as antique by means of a CITES (convention on international trade in endangered species) certificate, which is a long-winded and complex process. 

The table arrived ages ago as Michael and Tom packed it safe in our shipping container. Unfortunately, the tools had to stay behind until they were issued with a CITES certificate. After a long wait this finally happened a month ago and the tools began their trip arriving safe and sound just this week and receiving final clearance by Australian Customs and AQIS.

The sewing table needs a new silk workbag and some minor repairs and refinishing after which it will be available in our shop.