Chinese Four Seasons Altar Table, circa 1850

Description

This grand table from China's Shanxi province was originally used in a Qing-dynasty household as an impressive domestic altar for … more This grand table from China's Shanxi province was originally used in a Qing-dynasty household as an impressive domestic altar for ancestor worship. Designed to be the centerpiece of the room, the altar has a floating panel top, recessed legs linked by simple stretchers, and an ornately carved paneled front.

Each front panel depicts a flower signifying one of the four seasons - chrysanthemums for autumn, plum blossoms for winter, peonies for spring, and lotuses for summer. Our skilled artisans have converted the centermost panel into a functional drawer, decorated with a bat, a symbol of happiness. A fretwork apron further decorates the table front, carved to resemble an archaistic dragon twisting through geometric scrollwork.

Additional dimensions:
Table apron to floor: 19.5" H
Drawer: 9.25" W x 13.25" D. less