Antique Chinese Low Table With Drawers

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This is a well made table that has been well used. The simplicity of the design with clean lines and … Read more This is a well made table that has been well used. The simplicity of the design with clean lines and e;egant curvature came from 17 century Ming Dynasty and yet it will serve well with the informality of modern living. It is difficult to tell what sort of wood was used since China has never experienced the ice age and many varieties of wood survive. The best guess is cedar, which is a sturdy furniture wood. This table has served many functions in Northern China where homes have built in stone platforms called kangs. Central heating was non existent in Chinese homes so the kang beds are still the only warm places in the house. Residents stay warm on the kang beds while seated, so low furniture such as low cabinets are used for storage and low tables are for eating and reading and writing. This table served as both, large surface and two good size drawers for storing personal items. Similar tables can be seen in traditional Chinese paintings where scholars were painting or writing calligraphy or reading a book. It was a versatile table before and it can be again as a low coffee table, or a game table for small children.

Please note the joinery used for the top and side pieces. The Chinese craftsmen had perfected joining curve pieces to straight sides. The last image shows the special joinery that was used. See less