Damascus Walnut & Mother-of-Pearl Inlaid Occasional Table, c.1900–1930
An eight-lobed top, carved vines and mother-of-pearl star medallions define this Damascus Walnut & Mother-of-Pearl Inlaid Occasional Table, c.1900–1930. Attributed to Damascus, Syria, it combines warm walnut with reflective shell inlay, carried through a sculptural, open base.
KEY FEATURES
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Syrian occasional table, attributed to Damascus, c.1900–1930
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Solid walnut with hand-carved decoration
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Genuine mother-of-pearl star medallions and button inlays
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Eight-lobed, scalloped tabletop
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Lightly recessed roundels surrounded by carved vines
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Three curved legs joined by a linking stretcher
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Decorative lower finial and splayed feet
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Established patina with warm timber tones
DESCRIPTION
This Damascus occasional table brings together shaped walnut, flowing carving and geometric mother-of-pearl inlay. Its eight-lobed top creates a rhythmic outline, while three curved supports give the richly decorated surface a light, balanced setting.
Across the tabletop, mother-of-pearl stars sit within lightly recessed roundels, framed by finely carved vines. The arrangement combines geometric and plant-based ornament, two longstanding elements of Islamic decorative design. The measured star patterns give the surface order, while the foliage flows between them and follows the scalloped perimeter.
Damascus developed an established reputation for furniture embellished with mother-of-pearl and contrasting woods. Walnut was a preferred timber among its cabinetmakers, whose work supplied local homes and customers across the Ottoman Empire and overseas. Tables of this broad period reflect the application of traditional decorative skills to furniture made for an expanding range of interiors.
Dating from around 1900–1930, this Syrian walnut table belongs within that continuing craft tradition. Small mother-of-pearl button inlays carry the decoration down the curved legs, linking the tabletop visually with the base. A connecting stretcher, decorative lower finial and splayed feet complete the structure.
At approximately 70.5cm high, the table offers a useful surface beside an armchair or within a hallway. It also works as a small display stand, with sufficient height to give a ceramic vessel or other carefully chosen object a defined setting.
Discover the history of Damascus mother-of-pearl inlaid furniture in our Journal, exploring the walnut carving, geometric patterns and workshop traditions behind Syrian tables such as this, and how they found their place in homes locally and overseas.
DIMENSIONS (APPROX.)
Height: 70.5cm
Width: 54cm
Depth: 54cm
MATERIALS
Solid walnut with hand-carved vine decoration and genuine mother-of-pearl inlay. Shaped tabletop, three curved legs, linking stretcher and decorative lower finial.
CONDITION
Good decorative condition, with an established patina, light surface wear and small marks consistent with its early 20th-century date. The mother-of-pearl displays natural variations in tone and lustre. The table is structurally sound.
ORIGIN / PERIOD
Origin: Syria, attributed to Damascus
Period: c.1900–1930
STYLING SUGGESTIONS
Place beside an armchair, against a hallway wall or within a reading corner. Walnut, brass, ceramics and woven textiles provide sympathetic companions. A single small vessel on the top allows the surrounding carving, shell medallions and scalloped outline to remain visible.
FAQ
Is the mother-of-pearl genuine?
Yes. The table has genuine mother-of-pearl star medallions and button inlays.
What timber is the table made from?
Solid walnut, with hand-carved decoration.
Was the table made in Damascus?
It is attributed to Damascus on the basis of its Syrian design and decorative workmanship.
Is it suitable for everyday use?
Yes. The table is structurally sound and suitable for normal occasional use.
WHY THIS OBJECT STANDS APART
The decoration extends beyond the tabletop into the supports and base. Its distinctive character comes from the relationship between the lobed outline, recessed medallions and curved legs, with carved walnut and reflective shell contributing throughout the design.
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