Mid 19th Century Chinese Antique Elm Game Table

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A rectangular low table has already made an appearance. The table presented here has a storage drawer under the table … Read more A rectangular low table has already made an appearance. The table presented here has a storage drawer under the table top, marking it as a game table. Antique low tables of different sizes were functional furniture in China, particularly in the north where they were necessary for use on the kang bed. The kang bed was a built in brick platform that could be warmed with charcoal or firewood underneath. The low kang table served as a writing desk, sewing desk and a dining table. Since the Chinese eat with chopsticks and hold rice bowls close to their mouths, the table height surely never matters.

This game table is made in the traditional style of the Ming Dynasty with a simple of form and elegance in looks. The rectangle table top is set in a mitered frame. For a practical reason so that it would be available for more than a particular game, the table top remains blank. Popular games such as GO or Weiqi, or the strategic war game akin to Western Chess are played on different boards. It is slightly waisted, and has interesting waisted cabriole legs where the lower legs curved down ending in tiny feet. The apron has beaded eges and decorated in raised designs looking like "commas." The table top is hinged to the drawer with newer hinges. The interiors are painted in a darker mahogany lacquer paint.

The table has been refinished and restored to its original form. This process has enriched the beauty of the elm wood grain. However, the dryness in the Midwestern winters have caused slight separation in the joinery, and also on the table top.

Kang tables still maintain some use in modern living. It serves as an occasional table and it is best used as a base support for a scholar rock, a bonsai tree or a piece of sculpture. In this case, it still serves its purpose as a game table. See less