{"product_id":"late-19th-century-gujarati-hardwood-hall-bench-polychrome-finish","title":"Late 19th Century Gujarati Hardwood Hall Bench with Original Polychrome Finish","description":"\u003ch1\u003eLate 19th Century Gujarati Hardwood Hall Bench with Original Polychrome Finish\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp data-section-id=\"pqu36v\" data-start=\"143\" data-end=\"523\" class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchorContainer\"\u003e\u003cspan role=\"text\"\u003eA remarkable \u003cstrong data-start=\"159\" data-end=\"241\"\u003eLate 19th Century Gujarati Hardwood Hall Bench with Original Polychrome Finish\u003c\/strong\u003e, combining architectural form, original painted decoration and finely judged metalwork. The turned spindle gallery back, terracotta painted legs, hand-forged iron straps and brass rosette mounts give the bench strong visual character while keeping the design restrained and usable.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchor\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr data-start=\"525\" data-end=\"528\"\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"1ma7m6t\" data-start=\"530\" data-end=\"545\"\u003eKey Features\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul data-start=\"547\" data-end=\"1095\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"l79mu6\" data-start=\"547\" data-end=\"612\"\u003eLate 19th Century Gujarati hardwood hall bench, circa 1880–1900\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"nxw2o5\" data-start=\"613\" data-end=\"694\"\u003eOriginal terracotta polychrome painted legs with black, green and ochre banding\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"1au4skq\" data-start=\"695\" data-end=\"765\"\u003eArchitectural turned spindle gallery back with hand-turned balusters\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"6wdvrv\" data-start=\"766\" data-end=\"841\"\u003eDecorative brass rosette mounts to front, back and side finial extensions\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"ynowhu\" data-start=\"842\" data-end=\"900\"\u003eHand-forged iron strapwork and under-seat support braces\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"1pfkhlr\" data-start=\"901\" data-end=\"959\"\u003eThick solid hardwood plank seat with rich natural patina\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"ho8w6r\" data-start=\"960\" data-end=\"1020\"\u003eHand-carved side panels with geometric chip-carved borders\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"egzpex\" data-start=\"1021\" data-end=\"1095\"\u003eExcellent scale for an entrance hall, boot room, landing or living space\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003chr data-start=\"1097\" data-end=\"1100\"\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"rmw5tv\" data-start=\"1102\" data-end=\"1116\"\u003eDescription\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1118\" data-end=\"1367\"\u003eThis \u003cstrong data-start=\"1123\" data-end=\"1205\"\u003eLate 19th Century Gujarati Hardwood Hall Bench with Original Polychrome Finish\u003c\/strong\u003e is a striking example of North-West Indian vernacular furniture, combining practical seating with architectural detail, original colour and strong craftsmanship.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1369\" data-end=\"1704\"\u003eThe most distinctive feature is the turned spindle gallery back. Formed from rows of hand-turned balusters, it has the rhythm of a miniature architectural balustrade, reminiscent of the carved balconies found on traditional Gujarati and Rajasthani havelis. This gives the bench a strong silhouette without relying on excessive carving.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1706\" data-end=\"1989\"\u003eThe gallery is strengthened by hand-forged iron straps secured with decorative brass rosette mounts. These brass florets appear to the front and back of the bench, as well as on the protruding horizontal side finial extensions, adding subtle ornament and rewarding closer inspection.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1991\" data-end=\"2208\"\u003eThe seat is made from wide solid hardwood planks with a rich, mellow surface and honest age-related wear. Beneath the seat, forged iron braces reinforce the frame while keeping the overall form open and architectural.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2210\" data-end=\"2584\"\u003eThe turned legs retain their original terracotta polychrome painted finish, with black, green and ochre banding. This surviving paint is one of the bench’s strongest features, giving warmth, authenticity and a clear regional character. The side panels are finished with restrained geometric chip-carved borders, balancing the decorative back without overwhelming the design.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2586\" data-end=\"2843\"\u003eAt 145.5 cm wide, the bench has excellent presence while remaining practical for everyday use. It would work beautifully as an entrance hall bench, hallway seat, boot room bench, landing seat or statement piece within a living room, garden room or orangery.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2586\" data-end=\"2843\"\u003eDiscover more distinctive seating within our \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/campbellvintage.co.uk\/collections\/antique-seating\" title=\"Discover more distinctive seating within our Antique Seating Collection, including antique benches, chairs and period seating selected for craftsmanship, originality and decorative appeal.\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"5918\" data-end=\"5948\"\u003eAntique Seating Collection\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e, including antique benches, chairs and period seating selected for craftsmanship, originality and decorative appeal.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"qlryhh\" data-start=\"1979\" data-end=\"2015\" class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchorContainer\"\u003eFrom The Campbell Vintage Journal\u003cspan aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchor\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cblockquote data-start=\"2017\" data-end=\"2349\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2019\" data-end=\"2349\"\u003eThis object forms part of a wider story. Discover the history, craftsmanship and design traditions behind Gujarati hall benches in \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/campbellvintage.co.uk\/blogs\/news\/why-gujarati-hall-benches-have-become-some-of-the-most-characterful-antique-seating-for-modern-interiors\" title=\"This object forms part of a wider story. Discover the history, craftsmanship and design traditions behind Gujarati hall benches in The Campbell Vintage Journal, where we explore why these architectural benches have become increasingly appreciated by collectors, interior designers and lovers of authentic vernacular furniture.\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2150\" data-end=\"2182\"\u003eThe Campbell Vintage Journal\u003c\/strong\u003e,\u003c\/a\u003e where we explore why these architectural benches have become increasingly appreciated by collectors, interior designers and lovers of \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/campbellvintage.co.uk\/blogs\/news\/why-gujarati-hall-benches-have-become-some-of-the-most-characterful-antique-seating-for-modern-interiors\" title=\"This object forms part of a wider story. Discover the history, craftsmanship and design traditions behind Gujarati hall benches in The Campbell Vintage Journal, where we explore why these architectural benches have become increasingly appreciated by collectors, interior designers and lovers of authentic vernacular furniture.\"\u003eauthentic vernacular furniture\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003chr data-start=\"2845\" data-end=\"2848\"\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"7q4hfq\" data-start=\"2850\" data-end=\"2863\"\u003eDimensions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2865\" data-end=\"2882\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2865\" data-end=\"2876\"\u003eHeight:\u003c\/strong\u003e 88 cm\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2884\" data-end=\"2903\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2884\" data-end=\"2894\"\u003eWidth:\u003c\/strong\u003e 145.5 cm\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2905\" data-end=\"2921\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2905\" data-end=\"2915\"\u003eDepth:\u003c\/strong\u003e 57 cm\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2923\" data-end=\"2947\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2923\" data-end=\"2939\"\u003eSeat Height:\u003c\/strong\u003e 43.5 cm\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2949\" data-end=\"2978\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2949\" data-end=\"2971\"\u003eUsable Seat Width:\u003c\/strong\u003e 112 cm\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2980\" data-end=\"3008\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2980\" data-end=\"3002\"\u003eUsable Seat Depth:\u003c\/strong\u003e 42 cm\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr data-start=\"3010\" data-end=\"3013\"\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"10kmwe5\" data-start=\"3015\" data-end=\"3027\"\u003eMaterials\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3029\" data-end=\"3290\"\u003eSolid hardwood, likely teak or sheesham, with original terracotta polychrome painted finish, hand-turned spindle gallery, hand-forged iron straps and braces, decorative brass rosette mounts, hand-worked plank seat and traditional pegged and nailed construction.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr data-start=\"3292\" data-end=\"3295\"\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"hrykuu\" data-start=\"3297\" data-end=\"3309\"\u003eCondition\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3311\" data-end=\"3674\"\u003eVery good antique condition with honest wear consistent with age and use. The original painted finish survives well with expected rubbing, surface wear and losses. The hardwood has a rich patina with age-related marks, surface variation and historic shrinkage. The ironwork and brass rosette mounts remain intact, and the bench is solid, stable and ready for use.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr data-start=\"3676\" data-end=\"3679\"\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"vl9257\" data-start=\"3681\" data-end=\"3699\"\u003eOrigin \/ Period\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3701\" data-end=\"3736\"\u003eNorth-West India, probably Gujarat.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3738\" data-end=\"3773\"\u003eLate 19th Century, circa 1880–1900.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr data-start=\"3775\" data-end=\"3778\"\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"qkxodk\" data-start=\"3780\" data-end=\"3802\"\u003eStyling Suggestions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3804\" data-end=\"4095\"\u003eIdeal as an entrance hall bench, hallway seat, boot room bench or statement piece beneath a large mirror. The original terracotta paint, architectural gallery back and brass rosette mounts work particularly well with antique textiles, natural timber, painted furniture and layered interiors.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr data-start=\"4097\" data-end=\"4100\"\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"1hryhf7\" data-start=\"4102\" data-end=\"4108\"\u003eFAQ\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"4110\" data-end=\"4145\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"4110\" data-end=\"4145\"\u003eIs the painted finish original?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"4147\" data-end=\"4268\"\u003eYes. The bench retains its original terracotta polychrome painted finish with black, green and ochre banding to the legs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"4270\" data-end=\"4304\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"4270\" data-end=\"4304\"\u003eWhat makes this bench unusual?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"4306\" data-end=\"4504\"\u003eThe combination of turned spindle gallery back, original polychrome painted legs, hand-forged iron straps and decorative brass rosette mounts makes it a particularly distinctive Gujarati hall bench.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr data-start=\"4506\" data-end=\"4509\"\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"4ibvq1\" data-start=\"4511\" data-end=\"4542\"\u003eWhy This Object Stands Apart\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"4544\" data-end=\"4841\"\u003eThis bench has three clear strengths: the extraordinary turned spindle gallery, the original terracotta painted legs and the restrained metalwork with brass rosette mounts. Together they create a highly memorable Indian hall bench with architectural presence, original surface and practical scale.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Campbell Vintage","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":57257967747447,"sku":"1002112","price":1250.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0476\/1459\/1133\/files\/DSCF6369_327c144f-bb3f-4306-8aa3-d57ed447a608.jpg?v=1783093504","url":"https:\/\/campbellvintage.co.uk\/products\/late-19th-century-gujarati-hardwood-hall-bench-polychrome-finish","provider":"Campbell Vintage","version":"1.0","type":"link"}