Indian Takhat Coffee Table From Shekhawati - 19th Century

This antique takhat from Shekhawati, Rajasthan, dates to the 19th century and represents the robust, architectural craftsmanship of the region’s merchant homes. Originally a multifunctional daybed used for reclining or entertaining guests, it has been sympathetically adapted as a large and characterful coffee table.

Constructed from roheda wood — a dense, durable hardwood native to Rajasthan — the piece has developed a rich, deep patina through years of use. Its thick plank top is secured with hand-forged iron straps, while turned legs and graceful iron stretchers lend both strength and elegance. Along one side runs an incised Gujarati inscription reading “Shubh Labh” (Auspiciousness and Prosperity), a traditional blessing found on furniture and lintels of merchant households, invoking good fortune and success. The use of Gujarati script reflects the historic trade connections between Shekhawati merchants and the prosperous commercial centres of Gujarat, where many Marwari families maintained business houses and adopted Gujarati as a language of commerce.

Solid yet refined, this takhat embodies the pragmatic elegance of Shekhawati craftsmanship — equally suited to domestic rest and social gatherings. Its time-softened surfaces and spiritual inscription together evoke a world of hospitality, enterprise, and enduring artistry.

• Origin: Shekhawati, Rajasthan, India
• Date: 19th Century
• Materials: Roheda wood (a dense teak-like hardwood) with hand-forged iron fittings
• Features: Incised Gujarati inscription “Shubh Labh” (Auspiciousness and Prosperity), rich patina, iron bracing and fittings, turned legs
• Condition: Very good antique condition with wear consistent with age and use
• Dimensions: W190 × D107 × H54 cm