3-008-603 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

The International Exhibition: concert grand pianoforte, by Joseph Kirkman and Son, in the Indian Department, 1862. '...a 7-octave concert grand...The designs and working drawing of this instrument were sent from England...and the carving was executed at Madras, East Indies, by the native workmen...the whole work was executed in the most correct and perfect manner, without any error or mistake of any kind. The case of the instrument is of solid East Indian rosewood; the carving is all grounded out, not laid on, and, considering this, it is done with surprising truth and accuracy...the skill with which the ornament is adapted to the top of the instrument, so as almost to conceal its irregular shape, reflects great credit on the designer. The carving is executed with great spirit and freedom, and the work is altogether a most interesting specimen of Indian skilled labour, showing, as it does, how well the natives can work from a European design. We may mention that the top of this pianoforte, though over five feet wide, is made of one solid piece of rosewood without a joint. Even in India it is extremely rare to meet with rosewood of such large dimensions...Besides the beauty of the case, the instrument itself is a remarkably fine-toned one'. From "Illustrated London News", 1862.