How do I clean a mother of pearl inlay table?

Dust the surface regularly with a soft, dry cloth to prevent particles from settling in the recesses between the shell and the wood. Avoid liquid polishes, abrasive cleaners, or excess moisture, which can loosen the older glues holding the individual tesserae in place. Condition the surrounding timber occasionally with a suitable wax, applying it sparingly away from the shell inserts. Take care around older bone or wire elements, as aggressive rubbing can dislodge fine stringing.

Can these tables be used daily?

These tables handle normal decorative placement, such as holding a lamp or a small stack of books, provided they are kept away from direct heat sources and strong sunlight. Sudden temperature shifts can cause the timber to expand, putting pressure on the rigid inlay. Use coasters under drinks to protect the wooden ground and the shell surface from moisture rings. Moving the table should be done by lifting it from the base rather than dragging it across the floor.

How do I tell Syrian tables from Chinese ones?

Syrian and Levantine tables generally rely on intricate geometric lattices made from walnut or other hardwoods, packed with triangular and star-shaped mother-of-pearl pieces alongside bone. Their forms are frequently hexagonal or octagonal with folding frames beneath. Chinese pieces tend to feature dense, dark tropical hardwoods like rosewood or huanghuali, with floral or figurative motifs carved into the wood or inlaid as distinct pictorial elements. The shell in Chinese work often depicts birds, blossoms, or landscapes rather than repeating mathematical tessellations.

What caused pieces to lose their inlay?

Age, dry indoor environments, and changes in humidity cause the underlying timber to shrink or swell at a different rate than the shell and bone inserts. Over decades, this natural movement weakens the historical animal glues. Impacts or shifting during transport can also dislodge small sections of tesserae where the adhesive has become brittle. Careful conservation involves re-securing loose fragments with appropriate modern conservation adhesives.

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A mother of pearl inlay table brings geometric richness and iridescent focal points to a room, drawing the eye through intricate contrasting surfaces.

1900 - 1920

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20th Century Games Table

From Dean Antiques Ltd

£1,850

FOR SALE

tables

19th century

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Chinese Inlaid Hardwood Suite

From John Howkins Antiques

£3,250

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furniture

1900 - 1920

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Damascus Games Table

From Beechmount Antiques

£1,895

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tables

19th century

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Good Chinese Hardwood and Inlaid Table

From John Howkins Antiques

£760

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tables

Antique Ebonised Papier Mache Mother of Pearl Games Table

19th century

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Antique Ebonised Papier Mache Mother of Pearl Games Table

From Arthur Rawes Antiques

£650

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Mother of Pearl Inlay Table

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