British Colonial Teak Wood Bookcase

British Colonial furniture describes all furniture that was made during the empire in the British style, using local hardwoods and native furniture makers. Art Deco was the word’s first truly global furniture style and it embodied the modern belief in progress. After independence, this style of furniture was adopted all over Asia as it fit the progressive spirit of the times. Since teak wood is naturally resistant to insects and moisture, a surprisingly large amount of these vintage modern pieces have survived, especially in Burma, now Myanmar.

This extremely simple modern bookcase and storage cabinet dates to the late 1950’s. It originally had a golden teak varnish that had badly deteriorated. It was subsequently refinished to black lacquer. The piece is remarkably intact and extremely sturdy. Despite its contemporary appearance is constructed entirely from solid hardwood, without any use of veneer, plywood, particle board, and etc… Even the joinery is traditional mortise and tenon. it is a modern piece made just like an antique.