This rectangular desktop has a very shallow incised depression for the placing of documents, slants downwards at a gentle gradient, and can be lifted from two hinges on the ledge to reveal a shallow rectangular storage space beneath. The ledge is narrow and enclosed on three sides by low, apparently ornamental header which may have been added later.The desk is typical of those used by Chettiars while sitting on the floor. The Chettiars conducted their business at Market Street near the Singapore River. Apart from being visual mainstays in the area up to the Second World War, they were important to many small businesses and ordinary people as alternatives to the large European and Chinese banks, which had far more stringent loan policies.
.ashx)
