19th Century Syrian Table
These 19th century syrian table designs bring rich geometric marquetry and intricate bone inlay straight into a modern interior.
19th Century Syrian Table
A 19th century syrian table typically takes the form of an octagonal or hexagonal side table, occasional piece, or multi-tiered surface. These items often showcase intricate geometric patterns and folding or fixed structures suited to domestic use.
The pieces appearing on this page span the 19th century and stretch into the early twentieth, encompassing related regional styles such as Moorish Revival, Ottoman, and Anglo-Indian work. Side tables and games tables dominate the selections currently available.
Makers and workshops working within this tradition produced both simple occasional stands and complex metamorphic writing desks or combination games tables featuring chess and backgammon boards.
Materials and construction methods
Craftsmen built these tables using hardwoods like walnut, rosewood, and ebonised wood as a solid structural base. They then applied elaborate parquetry and marquetry surfaces using contrasting timber elements.
Surface decoration relies heavily on meticulous inlay work utilising bone and mother-of-pearl to create shimmering geometric star motifs and scrolling foliage. Artisans also employed hand carving directly into the timber framework to add depth and texture.
19th Century Syrian Table Retail Price Guide 2026
Typical asking prices for 19th century syrian table among the pieces listed under this phrase on Sellingantiques today, from the lower quarter to the upper quarter. They describe what is for sale here now, not the wider market.
The documented forms range from simple hexagonal occasional stands to complex metamorphic writing desks.
Factors that separate examples
The distinction between standard pieces and exceptional ones rests upon the density and precision of the inlay work. Finer examples display tightly fitted mother-of-pearl and bone elements with minimal filler, whereas simpler items rely more on surface carving alone.
Structural complexity also dictates quality, with metamorphic writing tables and multi-tiered or games-integrated designs requiring greater joinery skill than standard occasional stands.
Liberty & Co.
The 19th Century Syrian Table Glossary
- Marquetry
- The art of applying small pieces of veneer to a structure to form decorative patterns. This technique creates the pictorial and geometric surfaces seen across the tops and sides of these tables.
- Parquetry
- A geometric mosaic of wood pieces used for surface decoration. It differs from marquetry by forming regular repeating geometric shapes like squares and triangles.
- Mother-of-pearl
- The iridescent internal layer of mollusc shells used extensively for inlay. Artisans cut this material into tiny geometric slivers to catch the light.
- Moorish Revival
- An architectural and decorative style popular in the nineteenth century. It borrows heavily from North African and Middle Eastern design motifs.
- Metamorphic
- Describing furniture designed to transform from one function to another, such as a table concealing a writing slope or games board.
19th Century Syrian Table: Frequently Asked Questions
What rooms suit a 19th century syrian table?
These pieces function well as compact side tables or coffee table alternatives in a sitting room or hallway. Their distinct geometric patterns allow them to anchor a neutral interior scheme.
Because many examples feature octagonal tops, they fit comfortably beside armchairs or sofas without obstructing circulation space in smaller rooms.
How were games tables used originally?
Owners utilised these specialised surfaces for evening pastimes such as chess, checkers, and backgammon. The folding or removable tops often concealed storage compartments for playing pieces.
In nineteenth-century drawing rooms, such furniture combined utility with ornamental display, serving as a focal point for social gatherings.
How do I care for mother-of-pearl inlay?
Keep these surfaces away from direct sunlight and extreme humidity fluctuations to prevent the wood from shrinking and loosening the small inlay pieces. Dust gently with a dry, soft cloth.
Avoid using liquid polishes or chemical cleaners that might seep between the bone, shell, and timber joints and degrade the historical adhesives.