Chinese Antique Country Furniture a Coffee Table With Carved Spandrels

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The square table is a fine example of furniture from Shanxi Province in North China. The wood is most like … Read more The square table is a fine example of furniture from Shanxi Province in North China. The wood is most like elm, finished in black lacquer. The top has a smooth surface with slightly rounded edges and shows soke visible nicks and scratches which resulted from age and usage. the table top is set in a wide mitered frame, another sign of age. Notice the table top is made of several planks of wood. The special feature is that the wood pieces are not cut in 90 degree angles and they are not exact rectangles. This shows the skill of the northern furniture makers. By doing this, they allowed the wood to stay together in the expansion and shrinkage throughout the summer to winter season. As it is, another piece of wood was added to fill in the separation that resulted.

The apron features simple verticulated spandrels, in a floral scroll design, over a simple stretcher giving extra support to the straight round legs. The construction is done in a series of joinery and no nails were used.

The table has a minimalist but classic design - practical and functional, possible used as a coffee table or low tea table. It is a functional way to use an antique Chinese table. See less