Green Painted Takhat From Patan - Early 19th Century

This exceptional takhat originates from Patan, Gujarat, and dates to the early 19th century. Traditionally used as a raised daybed or low platform within domestic courtyards and reception spaces, the takhat occupied a central place in everyday life, serving as a surface for rest, conversation, and informal gatherings. Here, its generous proportions and low stance translate naturally into a striking coffee table, while retaining the presence and dignity of its original purpose.

Constructed from solid teak, the takhat reflects a more refined and costly interpretation of the form, far removed from the purely utilitarian platforms more commonly encountered. Teak was favoured in western India for its density, resistance to insects, and durability, particularly for furniture intended for use in open-air courtyards. The broad plank top is formed from thick, wide boards worn smooth through long use. Layers of historic green pigment survive across the surface, softened and broken by time into a richly mottled patina that speaks to repeated repainting over generations.

The apron is finely carved in the traditional Patan style, with repeating floral and geometric motifs running the full perimeter of the frame. These rhythmic carvings provide a visual counterpoint to the expansive top, grounding the piece and reinforcing its architectural presence. Four robust turned-form legs support the structure, each retaining traces of the same historic green paint, creating continuity across the whole form.

Sturdy, sculptural, and quietly monumental, this takhat carries the calm authority of a piece made to be lived with rather than displayed. Its surface carries the memory of use rather than show, shaped by daily life rather than ceremony. In a contemporary interior, it works beautifully as a large coffee table or low centrepiece in a living room, garden room, or summer house, where its scale, patina, and surface texture can be fully appreciated.

• Origin: Patan, Gujarat, Northern India
• Date: Early 19th century
• Materials: Solid teak with historic painted surface
• Features: Thick plank top; carved apron with floral and geometric motifs; turned-form legs; layers of historic green paint
• Condition: Age-worn surface with historic paint loss, wear, and patina consistent with age and long use. Restored in our UK workshops.
• Dimensions: Width 174 × Depth 78 × Height 52 cm