Chinese Lacquered Offering Table, c. 1800

Description

Perfected in the Ming dynasty, complex joinery techniques allowed craftsmen to create furniture with flowing lines, a sense of lightness, … more Perfected in the Ming dynasty, complex joinery techniques allowed craftsmen to create furniture with flowing lines, a sense of lightness, and remarkable durability. Crafted using traditional methods, this 19th-century offering table is a beautiful example of this refined approach to design. Worn smooth and richly toned, the lacquered table once supported lush offerings of flowers and food as part of traditional rituals honoring ancestors. Ideal as a console or sofa table, the altar features a rectangular floating-panel top, a waisted apron, humpback stretchers and legs that taper to spiral-form feet. The clean-lined table is minimally decorated, adorned only by the subtle details of the finely beaded edging and oblong cutouts to the waisted apron. less