Chinese Golden Brick Side Table, C. 1838

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Part of the long history of Chinese ceramics, the hand-crafted earthenware tile that tops this low table was originally used … Read more Part of the long history of Chinese ceramics, the hand-crafted earthenware tile that tops this low table was originally used to pave the floors of the Forbidden City palace complex in Beijing. Reserved for use by only the imperial family, these dark grey tiles are known as “golden bricks,” or jīnzhuān, due to the celebratory colors of gold and yellow being associated with all things imperial.

Taking over a year to produce from start to finish, the brick would have been hand-crafted by a skilled ceramicist with official approval and manufactured exclusively at the imperial kiln outside of Suzhou in Jiangsu province. The square tile is comprised of densely compressed earth, which was then baked at a low temperature for 4-5 months until hardened. Submerged in tung oil for an additional 6-8 months, the final object is at once highly durable, yet smooth and soft to the touch.

The golden brick tile is stamped with an imperial mark dating its manufacture to 1838, the 18th year of emperor Daoguang's reign (1820-1850). Set on a lacquered wood base, the historic golden brick lives on as a storied coffee table or side table.

Earthenware tile is relatively soft. Handle with care. See less