Hexagonal form with elaborately carved edges and panels; well worn top, folate trailing vine detail on edges, a center shelf with alternating arched paneled and non-paneled openings, carved panels between the legs forming archways, the legs each appear to be comprised off three pieces, with carved panels to two outward faces edges, copper sheet pentagonal cutouts affixed to the feet with small staples, possibly added later. Areas of loss to corners; nicks and scratches from use; areas of separation between the panels and frame. 21 1/8" tall x 46" across point to point, shelf height at 10 3/8".

Probably between 1885-1900, and possibly assembled in New York.  It has become the standard recently to attribute pieces like this first to the Ahmedabad Wood Carving Company, and then to de Forest, as the scholarship and historical record show that de Forest gave the traditional Gujarati carvers (mistri) broad latitude with the particular designs of these tables, not just with regards to the decorative carving, but of the structural design and proportions as well. 

In her 2020 presentation to the Olana Partnership, Sarah Coffin, former curator of Decorative Arts at Cooper Hewitt, speaks of the delineation between the bespoke and inventory pieces coming out of the Ahmedabad workshop, and says of one of the tabouret tables in the Church collection:

"These were clearly made as products that were made at the studio to be sold on the open market and this was not something that was peculiar to Church, this particular piece, he would have had some in stock, probably in his own shop, and supplied them first to Church." 

Coffin is referring to de Forrest's own shop in New York, which he opened after returning from India and ending his formal partnership with LC Tiffany.  

Full condition report and additional photographs available upon request.  

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