Qing Period Chinese Export Rosewood Inlaid Centre Table by Edwards & Roberts

An impressive mid-19th century Qing period (1644-1912), Chinese export centre table, made in Chinese rosewood and retailed by Edwards & Roberts. The table is richly inlaid with ivory and contrasting woods, and represents a high-quality example of Chinese decorative furniture produced for the Western market during this period.

The tabletop is finely inlaid with a detailed scene depicting daily life along a southern Chinese river. Using contrasting woods and ivory set into a rosewood ground, the composition shows boats on calm water, figures travelling and working, riverside buildings, and birds in flight. Interwoven throughout the scene are traditional Chinese auspicious symbols, including bats (happiness), phoenixes (peace and harmony), and dragons (strength and protection). Rather than illustrating a single narrative, the scene presents an idealised vision of harmony between people, nature, and symbolic creatures, reflecting themes of prosperity and balance.

The table is supported by an octagonal central column, also inlaid, which rises from a square base. From the column extend four carved supports, each decorated with phoenixes and floral carvings, providing both structure and visual richness. The base stands on ogee feet, fitted with 19th century castors, most likely added by Edwards & Roberts when the piece was retailed in Britain.

The table is stamped “Edwards & Roberts” three times beneath the top. Edwards & Roberts were among Britain’s leading 19th century cabinet makers and retailers, known for supplying high-quality furniture to an affluent clientele. Pieces such as this were often imported in sections, with the central column and leg supports designed to dismantle and reassemble using wooden dowels, before being stamped and finished for the British market.

What Is Chinese Export Furniture?
Chinese export furniture refers to pieces made in China specifically for Western buyers, particularly for the European and British markets, from the 18th to the mid-19th century. These works were produced by highly skilled Chinese craftsmen using traditional materials and techniques, often incorporating Western furniture forms alongside Chinese decorative motifs and symbolism. Such pieces were prized for their craftsmanship, exotic materials, and detailed inlay, and were retailed by leading firms in London and other European cities.

Edwards & Roberts:
Edwards & Roberts was a notable British furniture maker and retailer established in the mid-19th century by Thomas Edwards and William Roberts. Based in London, the firm operated as furniture makers, upholsterers, and antique dealers between circa 1845 and 1899.

Edwards & Roberts specialised in fine-quality furniture, particularly French-style pieces and reproductions in the Adam, Hepplewhite, and Sheraton styles during the second half of the 19th century. Alongside producing original work, the firm gained recognition for its ability to restore and reinterpret earlier furniture, combining historic elements with high levels of craftsmanship and refined decorative detail.

Edwards & Roberts also operated extensively as retailers, and a number of pieces bearing their stamp were not manufactured by the firm itself. In some cases, they retailed works by other makers; for example, a known heart-shaped table by François Linke bears the Edwards & Roberts stamp, indicating it was sold through their firm.

In addition, they are known to have handled earlier furniture dating to the 18th century, which was adapted, restored, and subsequently retailed by them. This reflects their broader role not only as makers, but also as dealers working with earlier pieces.

Their reputation for quality and workmanship led to a distinguished clientele, including:
• H.M. Queen Victoria
• Duke of Cambridge
• Archbishop of Canterbury
• Archbishop of York
• Tsar Nicholas II

UK Ivory Exemption Reference: 5S9A9W27