1920s Chinese Art Deco Period Low Table

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Description

This is a low rectangular table with a black lacquer finish. The wood is a type of dark rosewood. Southern … Read more This is a low rectangular table with a black lacquer finish. The wood is a type of dark rosewood. Southern Chinese like this type of hardwood. The name is Xuan Ji that means sour branches. The wood is related to rosewood. The table top is mitered and the edges are polished smooth. The apron is a repeat design that is joined together by small round marble size balls. I has the same type of look I would expect of Chinese furniture of the Shanghai art deco period. The rich merchant class from South China did business in Shanghai in the Roaring 20's. Their homes no doubt would have been furnished with southern furniture that would reflect the prevailing designs.

The table was made in the traditional method with joinery. The table top is a moving panel within the mitered frame. There is allowance for the table top to expand and contract with the season. The shrinking is not even . Please notice the legs were carved and they are not straight and each table leg end in a little foot.

There is a certain elegance to this table. The lattice openwork design was prevalent during this period. Today this table can be used to show off a piece of sculpture or a large bonsai plant. See less