How do I clean a carved table?

Dust the intricate recesses regularly with a soft-bristled brush to prevent dirt accumulation in the carved details. Avoid liquid polishes that build up in the grain, opting instead for a microfibre cloth and occasional professional wax.

What is an elephant table?

An elephant table is a regional form featuring carved figural elephant supports beneath the top surface. Originating primarily in nineteenth-century Indian workshops, they combine structural bases shaped as animals with traditional floral relief borders.

How do I date these tables?

Dating relies on examining the timber species, tool marks left by the maker, and structural assembly methods. Stylistic crossover between Victorian Gothic Revival, Anglo-Indian, and Chinese Export designs helps narrow down the period of manufacture.