Vintage Indian Carved Wood Rehal Book Stand Tray Set - Saharanpur Art

Product Description
Enrich your reading sanctuary, home altar, or living space with this beautifully coordinated three-piece vintage Indian folk art set. Masterfully hand-carved from solid Sheesham wood (Indian Rosewood), this collection includes a traditional folding X-shaped holy book stand (Rehal), an ornate octagonal openwork tray bowl featuring delicate central floral bone/brass inlay, and a matching hand-carved display pedestal easel.
Every component is meticulously detailed with deep relief foliage carvings and traditional openwork lattice borders (Jali work) that showcase the extraordinary skill of subcontinent woodworkers. This multipurpose bohemian library set functions elegantly as a functional sacred text holder, an exotic display grouping for antiquities, or a warm global accent on a mantle or library table.
Cultural and Historical Significance
This set is an authentic collection of Saharanpur wood carving, a world-renowned cottage craft centered in the Uttar Pradesh region of Northern India that traces its aesthetic roots directly to the architectural styles of the Mughal Empire (16th–19th Centuries).
The individual elements carry deep historic and spiritual resonance within South Asian and Middle Eastern cultures:
The Rehal (Holy Book Stand): This collapsible, interlocking X-frame stand is a sacred design utilized across Islamic, Hindu, Sikh, and religious traditions. Historically, it is designed to hold holy scriptures—such as the Quran, the Bhagavad Gita, or the Guru Granth Sahib—ensuring the text never touches the floor during recitations, expressing the highest form of spiritual respect and devotion.
Saharanpur Jali & Inlay: The scalloped bowl highlights two signature Indian craft styles: Jali (pierced openwork lattice that mimics architectural stone screens designed to filter sunlight in palaces) and Tarkashi style floral center inlay. The central blossom serves as a symbol of cosmic purity, enlightenment, and domestic prosperity.
Product Specifications
Item Description Length / Diameter Width / Base Height
Scalloped Inlay Bowl 10.8 inches 10.8 inches 2.0 inches
Folding Rehal Book Stand 8.5 inches 6.0 inches 6.0 inches
Carved Display Easel 6.0 inches 5.0 inches 6.5 inches
Material: Solid Sheesham Hardwood (Indian Rosewood), Natural Pigments, Vintage Composite Inlay
Technique: Hand-Chiseled Relief, Openwork Jali Piercing
Condition: Excellent vintage condition with beautiful natural wood grain variations and a deep polished patina.