What is Indian inlay furniture?

Indian inlay furniture consists of tables, chairs, and chests produced primarily during the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries using native hardwoods decorated with bone, brass, or mother of pearl. These pieces range from small occasional tables to large storage chests, reflecting both traditional South Asian motifs and British colonial taste.

Where were these pieces made?

Production centred on specific regions renowned for woodworking, notably Hoshiarpur in the Punjab, alongside workshops in Ceylon and other colonial centres. Local artisans adapted indigenous carving and inlay techniques to create items suitable for both local use and export to Britain.

How do I care for inlaid wood?

Keep inlaid items away from direct heat sources and strong sunlight to prevent the hardwood from drying and shrinking, which can loosen the bone or metal elements. Dust surfaces gently with a soft cloth and avoid liquid polishes that might seep beneath the delicate inlay work.

What timber was used?

Workshops utilised dense regional hardwoods, including teak, rosewood, ebony, and padouk, which provided a stable base for detailed carving. Contrasting timbers like satinwood and calamander also appear in specific regional pieces alongside imported pine or secondary woods used for internal structures.