How do I clean mother-of-pearl inlay?

Dust the surface regularly with a soft, dry cloth to prevent dirt from settling into the fine crevices of the parquetry. Avoid using liquid cleaners, polishes or harsh chemicals, as moisture can damage the wood and loosen the delicate shell or bone elements.

Cairo ware refers to brass and copper metalwork, such as hexagonal kursi tables, inlaid with contrasting metals like copper and white-metal. These pieces were produced primarily in Egypt during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries for both local use and export.

Are these tables sturdy enough for daily use?

Most occasional tables and side tables are structurally sound for holding small objects, lamps or drinks, provided they are placed on an even floor. Heavier storage trunks and armchairs are built from solid hardwoods like walnut, making them durable for everyday domestic seating and storage.

How do I identify Mamluk Revival furniture?

Mamluk Revival pieces feature distinct geometric ornamentation, intricate metalwork and traditional Islamic design motifs adapted during the nineteenth century. Look for dense surface patterns, openwork brass and precise parquetry that echo historical architectural elements from the Middle East.