Anglo-Indian Collapsible Octagonal Side Table
Table (Octagonal Side/End Table) · Anglo-Indian / British Colonial (Early 20th Century Revival Style) · Unidentified artisan workshop, likely from Hoshiarpur or Saharanpur, India.
Type
Table (Octagonal Side/End Table)
Style Period
Anglo-Indian / British Colonial (Early 20th Century Revival Style)
Material
Likely solid Sheesham (Indian Rosewood) or Teak; brass hinge and hook hardware.
Age Estimate
Mid-20th Century (circa 1940-1970).
Dimensions
Approximately 20-22 inches high, 18-20 inches wide; consistent with standard end table heights.
Origin
Hoshiarpur or Saharanpur region, Northern India; designed for the Western export market.
Designer/Maker
Unidentified artisan workshop, likely from Hoshiarpur or Saharanpur, India.
Value Estimate
Retail/Market Value: $150 - $350 USD, depending on the intricacy of carving and wood quality.
Description
This octagonal end table is a classic example of Indian woodcarving tradition adapted for Western homes. It features eight panels intricately carved with grape-leaf motifs and open-work fretwork, allowing light to pass through the base. The piece is designed for portability, with a base that folds flat and a removable top, a design legacy of British military campaign furniture. The rich, warm wood tones and heavy texture provide a global, bohemian aesthetic.
Key Features
Octagonal shape, collapsible hinged base, hand-pierced grape-and-leaf carvings, brass hook closure, and a non-fixed top surface.
Color & Finish
Medium-to-dark brown stain with a semi-gloss wax or lacquer finish; natural wood oxidation is evident in the carvings.
Construction Method
Hand-carved panels with a collapsible, hinged base; the top is a separate piece that rests upon the folding frame, characteristic of 'campaign' or export furniture.
Joinery & Craftsmanship
Mortise and tenon for the frame members; hand-pierced 'jali' fretwork; rustic hinges typical of regional artisan production rather than high-end industrial manufacturing.
Wood Grain & Species
Dense, straight-to-interlocking grain consistent with Dalbergia sissoo (Sheesham); visible grain on the top surface shows a characteristic rotary or flat-sawn pattern.
Surface Treatment
Extensive hand-carving featuring foliate (leaf) and vine motifs; 'chasing' or chip-carving along the vertical stiles.
Upholstery Details
None.
Hardware & Fittings
Small brass barrel hinges and a simple brass hook-and-eye latch on the front panel; all typical of 20th-century Indian export goods.
Origin & Provenance
Hoshiarpur or Saharanpur region, Northern India; designed for the Western export market.
Condition Notes
Good condition. The finish appears intact with minor dry-cracking common in tropical woods relocated to temperate climates; hinges show slight oxidation but remain functional.
Interesting Facts
The city of Hoshiarpur was world-renowned for this specific style of carving and inlay, often winning awards at international exhibitions during the British Raj.
Cultural Significance
Represents the 'Anglo-Indian' style, a fusion of Victorian furniture silhouettes with traditional Indian decorative arts, reflecting the complex trade history between Britain and the subcontinent.
Similar Pieces
Often confused with Moroccan 'Mashrabiya' tables (which usually feature geometric rather than floral motifs) or Chinese carved tables (which typically use different wood species like Camphor).
Care & Maintenance
Clean with a soft, dry brush to remove dust from deep carvings; apply a high-quality paste wax annually; keep away from direct heat sources to prevent wood splitting.
Value Estimate
Retail/Market Value: $150 - $350 USD, depending on the intricacy of carving and wood quality.
Sustainability Notes
Highly sustainable as a handcrafted heirloom piece intended for long-term use; Sheesham is a fast-growing, managed timber in India.