Provenance: From Bohol Island and now from the private collection of the esteemed Ma. Cristina Ongpin–Roxas

ABOUT THE WORK

This spectacular “sola pieza” (one piece) dining table from Bohol island is entirely of reddish tindalo hardwood. The thick floating top in a mitred frame is supported by three large baluster legs supported by outwardly curving C-scrolls terminating in foliate and feather forms. The three baluster legs are interconnected by two massive horizontal turned balusters. The long dining table is a masterpiece of Boholano art and craftsmanship. Bohol island had an abundance of tindalo and molave hardwoods. These were used to construct sturdy houses and durable albeit graceful furniture. Bohol bahay-nabato are generally squat, spacious, and interesting with a profusion of folk details derived from local flora and fauna. Antique Bohol furniture is noted for its generous use of hardwoods and charming folk colors and details derived from nature. From 1986 to 1990, the discovery of Bohol’s antique treasures resulted in an unmitigated outflow to Manila. But what remains in Bohol’s churches and houses is still considerable. Antique collectors, connoisseurs, scholars and researchers like to discuss the differences between Boholano, Cebuano, and Southern Cebuano artistic sensibilities. They claim that despite the obvious similarities, there are still glaring differences in the artistic tastes and visual preferences of three groups. -Augusto M. R. Gonzalez III