What is amboyna wood?

Amboyna is a dense and highly figured burr wood derived from the Pterocarpus indicus tree, native to Southeast Asia. Its timber produces a characteristic spotted or swirled grain pattern that cabinet makers prized for luxury veneer work. Because the burls are irregular in shape, craftsmen sliced the wood into thin veneers rather than building solid furniture from it. This technique displayed the rich golden-brown figuring across table tops and cabinet fronts.

How were card tables used?

Card tables served as multi-purpose furniture in nineteenth-century drawing rooms, remaining folded against a wall when not in use. They opened out for evening games of whist, quadrille, or chess. Many examples feature a swiveling or folding top supported by a concealed well or compartment for storing playing cards and counters. Some double as sewing or writing tables.

How do I date a Victorian table?

Dating a Victorian table relies on examining the secondary timbers, construction methods, and prevailing design revivals. Pieces from the 1860s and 1870s often combine amboyna with ebonised wood and classical French influences. Drawer linings, screw types, and hinge mechanisms also provide evidence of age. Maker stamps or paper labels inside drawers help narrow the production period further.

Where should I place an occasional table?

An occasional table suits placement beside a sofa, beneath a window, or as a lamp stand in a hallway. Their compact proportions allow them to fit into spaces where a larger desk or dining table would overwhelm the room. Care should be taken to keep veneered timber away from direct sunlight and strong heat sources. Maintaining stable room humidity protects the delicate marquetry and prevents the veneer from lifting.