Carved Teak Bench with Hand-Painted Tiles

This is the bench that goes in the entrance, where people sit to take their shoes off and where guests notice it before they notice anything else in the house.

The backrest alternates between two things. Three pierced jali panels, cut through by hand in a repeating floral lattice, and two painted ceramic tiles in blue and gold. Above them runs a scalloped crest rail carved in a flowing scroll. Below, a row of shaped fretwork panels finishes the apron.

The arms curve outward and rest on fan-carved brackets, each holding a third and fourth tile. Turned legs at the front, plain at the back, solid teak throughout.

The seat is left bare, polished wood, wide enough for three. Add cushions if you want, or leave it as it is.