Magnificent Antique Chinese Meiji Period Dragon Carved Ebonized Extension Dining Table

Description

A masterpiece in extraordinary craftsmanship, ingenuity and superior quality carvings, monumental in size, this most impressive Chinese hand carved black … more A masterpiece in extraordinary craftsmanship, ingenuity and superior quality carvings, monumental in size, this most impressive Chinese hand carved black laqueur ebonized hardwood table dates to the turn of the late 19th to early 20th century.

The rare, one of a kind, wonderfully designed, exceptionally executed Asian antique, circa 1900 (c.1885-1910), features a wind-out iron screw mechanism designed to allow one to extend the table’s base to accommodate leaves with the simple crank of a handle. It is based on the inventive expanding table originally designed by Theodore Alexander Robert Jupe in at the height of the industrial revolution in 1835, which used a swivel mechanism to separate sections of the tabletop and allow for segmented leaves to be inserted. This unique simplified design allows the mechanism to smoothly operate on rectangular tops, winding out from the middle to allow for more table space.

Magnificent, powerful, yet breathtakingly elegant, presenting with astonishing detail throughout, having a highly polished rectangular tabletop with neo-classical greek key pattern textured running ornamentation border, the two original matching leaf extensions, over an intricately detailed apron with faux bamboo molding, superb floral and fiolate motif high and low relief carvings that become more dramatic and stylized as they continue flowing onto the four substantially sized cabriole legs, terminating on casters. At center, a massive figural central pedestal column stands, rising from a cruci-form shaped molded edge base on metal casters, a large whimsical four headed mythical beast, with four ornate dragons tail, body and heads, each with heavily detailed face, including open mouth with flaming pearl clentched in its jaws, large horns, reptile scales and spread wings. At one end, a removable cast iron wooden handle crank is inserted, powered by hand it turns the worm drive gear, in return turing the "endless" screw element mechanism, mechanically adjusting the table, either shorter or expending and making it longer depending upon the direction the handle is turned.

An absolutely spectacular example of Japanese export, using the finest high quality materials, craftsmanship and cultural folklore.

Dimensions (approx):
30 x 99 x 47-3/4 inches (76.2 x 251.5 x 121.3 cm) (with leaves)

Condition Report:
Good original antique condition. Presents splendidly. Wonderful cosmetic condition, with original dark, rich ebony finish, minor wear and warm, elegantly aged patina. Wear/tear from over a century of use has left the expanding base slightly worn, warped and at times ill fitting and temperamental to perfectly align. Can be setup as a normal table without issue, very solid and sturdy. Screw mechanism works excellent. if desired to have the table sliding easily and perfectly aligned at all times we recommend a restoration to the wooden boards the top attaches to. less