Indian Octagonal Carved Folding Table (Jali Table)
Table (Accent, End, or Coffee Table depending on size) · Anglo-Indian / Indo-Islamic style, traditionally crafted but likely post-1960s production. · Artisan-made in Saharanpur, India, a region famous for wood carving.
Type
Table (Accent, End, or Coffee Table depending on size)
Style Period
Anglo-Indian / Indo-Islamic style, traditionally crafted but likely post-1960s production.
Material
Solid Rosewood (Sheesham) or Mango wood; brass hinges; wax finish.
Age Estimate
Mid to late 20th Century (circa 1970-1990).
Dimensions
Height: 18-24 inches; Width/Diameter: 15-20 inches.
Origin
India (specifically Uttar Pradesh or Rajasthan regions). Often sold as import export export decorative arts.
Designer/Maker
Artisan-made in Saharanpur, India, a region famous for wood carving.
Value Estimate
$75 - $250 (Retail/Secondary Market value depending on size and carving density).
Description
An exotic and functional octagonal accent table featuring eight hinged panels. The base is expertly carved with 'Jali' openwork, showcasing a lush grape leaf and vine motif that allows light to filter through, creating beautiful shadows. The top is a solid, circular or octagonal slab that rests securely atop the base. Its collapsible design makes it a versatile piece for global-inspired interiors.
Key Features
Collapsible hinged base; octagonal symmetry; pierced leaf-motif carving; removable top; dense tropical hardwood.
Color & Finish
Medium to dark brown tone with a warm reddish hue; likely a wax or light lacquer finish with natural patina.
Construction Method
Hand-carved panels with a collapsible gate-leg or hinge structure; the top is usually removable and rests on the folding base.
Joinery & Craftsmanship
Mortise and tenon for the frame and peg-and-slot for the top attachment; hand-cut Jali openwork.
Wood Grain & Species
Sheesham wood showing interlocked grain and visible heartwood/sapwood color variations; prominent leaf-motif carving.
Surface Treatment
Intricate pierced openwork carving (Jali) and relief carving on the frame; hand-sanded with a polished finish.
Upholstery Details
None.
Hardware & Fittings
Small brass pin hinges connecting the octagonal wall segments.
Origin & Provenance
India (specifically Uttar Pradesh or Rajasthan regions). Often sold as import export export decorative arts.
Condition Notes
Good; showing minor sun fading and typical wear on the feet. The hinges appear intact. Structural integrity is sound.
Interesting Facts
The 'Jali' carving technique was originally used in Indian architecture for windows to provide ventilation while maintaining privacy and cooling the interior air.
Cultural Significance
Represents the long-standing tradition of Indian woodcraft, popularized in the West during the 19th-century British Raj and again during the bohemian design movements of the 1960s.
Similar Pieces
Moorish or Moroccan folding tables, which often feature mother-of-pearl inlay rather than pure wood carving.
Care & Maintenance
Dust with a soft brush to reach crevices; apply high-quality furniture wax annually; avoid direct sunlight to prevent wood splitting.
Value Estimate
$75 - $250 (Retail/Secondary Market value depending on size and carving density).
Sustainability Notes
Ecologically sound as it uses traditional hardwoods and labor-intensive handcrafting rather than industrial machinery.