FEATURES ARCHIVE

Dating to pre-independence of India, this hardwood table was nevertheless likely furnished for an export audience. The high-quality timber and dense engraving catered to the Victorian tastes of the period, while the whimsical floral and foliage motifs and fantastic reptile feet retain a sense of the exotic.

This engraved ivory bureau on stand from the 18th century represents the marriage of cultures – Indian decorative elements with Western furniture forms. The traditionally engraved ivory bears a delightful floral pattern. It is unusual in that it retains its 18th century stand.

Agra carpets of the 19th century were predominantly woven in British jails established during Colonial rule in India. Inspired by 17th century Isfahan designs, carpets like this massive example (26 x 31 feet) from the Detroit Institute of Arts were likely intended for English export.

Mughal carpets derived their designs from Persian artists who traveled to India and introduced their skills and workshop experience to the indigenous weavers. For this reason, Mughal carpets are often compared to extant Persian counterparts such as the Isfahan carpets of the 17th century.