What is an Anglo-Indian table?

An Anglo-Indian table is a piece manufactured in India during the colonial era, blending European furniture proportions with traditional Indian hand-carving techniques. They often utilise dense local timbers such as teak and rosewood. These tables frequently feature elaborate carvings of foliage, animals, or geometric patterns, alongside brass inlay or folding wooden bases designed for portability.

How do I care for a teak coffee table?

Maintaining antique teak involves dusting regularly with a dry cloth and avoiding excessive moisture or direct heat sources that can dry out the timber. Natural waxes can be applied sparingly to nourish the hardwood. Care should be taken around inlaid sections containing brass or bone, ensuring cleaning products do not seep into the joints or discolour the surrounding wood.

Are these tables solid teak?

The listings demonstrate construction primarily using solid teak, rosewood, and general Indian hardwoods. These dense timbers provided the structural strength necessary for deep carving. Secondary materials such as brass and bone appear as decorative inlays rather than structural components, whilst iron hardware supports folding mechanisms and trunks.

How are folding tables constructed?

Folding tables from this period typically utilise interlocking wooden bases that collapse flat beneath a removable tray top. This clever engineering allowed for easy transport during the colonial period. The hinges and joints on these collapsible frames rely on accurate woodworking and occasional brass pins to secure the base when open.