Pair of Large Antique Ottoman Moorish Abalone, Mother-of-Pearl and Bone Inlaid Pedestals, Circa 1880

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Description

An exceptional pair of large antique Ottoman Moorish pedestal tables, handcrafted in Turkey during the late 19th century, circa 1880. … Read more An exceptional pair of large antique Ottoman Moorish pedestal tables, handcrafted in Turkey during the late 19th century, circa 1880. Distinguished by their architectural proportions and extraordinarily detailed mosaic decoration, these octagonal tables combine fruitwood, carved bone, iridescent abalone shell and mother-of-pearl in a richly patterned geometric composition associated with Ottoman and Islamic decorative arts.

These are not tables decorated exclusively with fruitwood marquetry. Their value and rarity derive in large part from the extensive use of individually cut abalone, mother-of-pearl and bone. The abalone produces subtle flashes of green, blue, violet and silver as the viewing angle and surrounding light change. Mother-of-pearl provides a softer luminous contrast, while carved bone defines the intricate borders, geometric panels and repeating architectural motifs against the warm reddish-brown fruitwood.

Each pedestal features an octagonal top surrounded by a raised molded rim. The top is supported by eight shaped legs, creating an elegant architectural silhouette and allowing the elaborate decoration to remain visible from multiple directions. The surfaces are ornamented with individually cut pieces of fruitwood, shell and bone fitted together through traditional mosaic inlay and marquetry techniques. The resulting interplay of color, texture and reflection is especially striking when natural light catches the abalone and mother-of-pearl.

The decoration draws upon the geometric vocabulary found throughout Ottoman, Moorish and Islamic art, where repetition, symmetry and carefully balanced contrasting materials create visual complexity. Related decorative traditions can also be found in Syrian and Damascene mother-of-pearl furniture, Lebanese and Levantine inlaid woodwork, Egyptian Islamic Revival furniture, and the Hispano-Moresque designs associated with Andalusia and Islamic Spain.

These references describe the broader artistic context and the search terminology frequently used by collectors. The tables themselves remain attributed to Ottoman Turkey. They should not be represented as having been made in Syria, Egypt, Lebanon or Spain without supporting provenance. Their designs nevertheless share the interlaced geometry, architectural arches and luminous inlay associated with these connected Mediterranean and Middle Eastern traditions.

Standing 37 inches high, these pedestals are substantially larger than ordinary occasional tables. Their impressive height makes them particularly suitable as sculpture stands, decorative pedestals, plant stands or architectural accent tables. They could be positioned on either side of an entry console, fireplace, doorway or large window. They would also make dramatic display stands in a library, gallery, dining room or formal living room.

Although presented as a pair, each table has sufficient presence to be displayed independently. Together, they create a powerful symmetrical arrangement appropriate for an Ottoman, Moorish, Syrian, Egyptian, Lebanese, Levantine, Andalusian, Mediterranean, Spanish Colonial, Islamic Revival or globally collected interior. Their sculptural profiles and shimmering surfaces can also provide warmth and visual interest within a restrained contemporary setting.

Authentic antique Ottoman furniture incorporating abalone, mother-of-pearl and bone is considerably rarer than furniture ornamented solely with wood marquetry. Finding two related late-19th-century examples of this size and complexity is especially uncommon. The costly materials, extensive handwork, large proportions, matched scale and survival of the pair explain their higher value relative to many other Moorish pedestal tables offered on the market.

Each table measures approximately 37 inches high, 27 inches wide and 25 inches deep. The listing is for the complete set of two tables. Because each pedestal was individually handcrafted, slight differences in measurements, inlay placement, coloring and surface character may be present.

The tables remain in good antique condition, with wear consistent with age and use. Minor losses, small areas of missing inlay, surface variations and aged patina are present, as expected for intricately handcrafted furniture dating from circa 1880. These characteristics contribute to their authentic historic appearance. Please examine all photographs closely for a complete understanding of their condition.

Correct attributes

Category: Pedestals
Sold as: Set of two
Style: Moorish
Origin: Turkey
Period: Late 19th Century
Date: Circa 1880
Materials: Fruitwood, bone, abalone shell, mother-of-pearl and shell
Techniques: Handcrafted, hand-carved, mosaic inlay and marquetry
Condition: Good antique condition; wear consistent with age and use; minor losses

Listing clarification: The listing is for the pair of pedestal tables only. The settee, artwork and other furnishings shown in the styled interior photographs are not included. See less