Mid-Century Burmese Colonial Teak Bookcase

This solid teak bookcase was made in a sleek, modern style in Rangoon, Burma, near the very end of the British Empire. We call these pieces by different names; "mid-century", art moderne" or just "modern style" but they all refer to the superb solid wood furniture that was made from the 1930's to the 1960's in (now former) British colonies in Asia. The handles suggest a mid-century date and the crown suggests Art Deco. During the British Empire in India and Burma (also known as the British Raj) much furniture was made in the British style, substituting far superior native hardwoods like teak and rosewood for European ones. Teak had the added benefit of repelling insects and moisture, so it was very good for storage cabinets. For protection of books and documents, it was ideal as subtle teak scent drove away moths as well as termites. Rattan was substituted for cloth upholstery, which grew moldy in the tropical humidity. After independence many bookcases became mercantile cabinets, idea