What is an Hoshiarpur table?

An Hoshiarpur table originates from the Punjab region and is distinguished by intricate surface decoration. Artisans inset brass, copper, and bone into carved wooden grounds to create elaborate geometric and floral patterns. These tables frequently feature octagonal tops and folding bases, making them popular decorative items during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries.

How do I care for a teak side table?

Maintain teak and hardwood surfaces by dusting with a dry cloth and avoiding excessive moisture. Occasional application of suitable furniture wax preserves the natural lustre of the timber. Keep wooden tables away from direct heat sources and strong sunlight to prevent the timber from drying out or splitting over time.

Were these tables made for export?

Many tables produced during the colonial period were manufactured specifically for the European market and British residents abroad. They combined familiar Western forms with traditional Indian and Burmese carving techniques. Production centres in regions like the Bombay Presidency and Punjab supplied these decorative furnishings to meet growing Victorian and Edwardian demand.

How do I identify the period of a table?

Dating relies on stylistic clues, construction methods, and materials recorded across nineteenth and early twentieth-century examples. Earlier nineteenth-century pieces often feature heavier solid construction and regional timber variations like padouk. Later pieces from around nineteen hundred frequently incorporate folding mechanisms and complex brass inlay work associated with specific workshops.