Q
& A
S.D.
of Ottawa, Ontario writes:
The
ivory inlay table was given to an uncle of mine as a present. Sometime
in the late 1930's or early 1940's, I believe. It bears a 'British Seal'
on the under part of the table.
 We
asked Kevin Colgan to respond:
This table is of Islamic origin and was probably
made within the boundaries of the old Ottoman Empire or the Muslim part
of India. The arches formed by the legs, are like the niches of a prayer
rug, the stylized geometric decoration is also characteristic. Avoiding
the representation of human or animal forms seems to have some role in
this style of decoration. I am sorry I cannot be more specific regarding
country of origin, but it is such a widespread form. Sometimes the surfaces
of this sort of furniture are inlaid with parquetry of ebony and mother
of pearl. I have occasionally seen them inlaid with the signature of the
owner in Turkish or Arabic.
I
have seen examples of these tables worth $2000 and others worth $50. What
distinguishes one from the other is first, quality and complexity of the
decoration, secondly, an association with a famous person and thirdly,
good age. The form was and still is used throughout the old Ottoman Empire.
A good deal of Islamic inlaid furniture comes from Damascus and is renowned
for its complex inlays. The table seems to be rosewood or less possibly
olive-wood and is above average in quality. What I can see of the inlay
is fairly restrained. All other things being equal, the more inlay the
better. Incidentally, you can tell ivory from bone by the fact that ivory
is even in colour whilst bone has flecks of dark spots in it. I don’t
think it is very valuable because its virtues are rather understated,
but it is certainly very decorative and useful
Does
you mean that it has a BADA sticker on it? The British Antiques Dealers
Association use a small round gilt sticker on which they certify that
the item is over 100 years old. It would be helpful to know that since
I find it hard to put an age on this table from photos alone. I would
like a photo of the top before valuing it if that is possible. Thank you
for showing me this.
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