Details
Description
A commanding antique Chinese carved wood bench, likely originating from southern China in the late 19th to early 20th century. …
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A commanding antique Chinese carved wood bench, likely originating from southern China in the late 19th to early 20th century. At over five feet long, this is a rare survivor of monumental folk furniture — built for a temple, ancestral hall, or wealthy household, and carved with the kind of symbolic intensity rarely seen on utilitarian forms.
The apron is decorated in relief with a pair of confronting carp amid aquatic foliage — fish being among the most auspicious symbols in Chinese culture, representing abundance, perseverance, and good fortune. The trestle-style legs are carved as stylized dragon or mythical creature heads with scrolling bodies, terminating in lotus-petal bases — a carving vocabulary rooted in the coastal provincial traditions of Fujian and Guangdong. A lower stretcher connects the two trestle supports, adding structural integrity and visual weight.
The top is constructed of thick planks joined with iron butterfly keys — visible on the underside and consistent with traditional Chinese joinery practice. The surface carries an honest patina of deep amber and honey tones, with age-appropriate wear, checking, and old repairs that only deepen the character of the piece. The underside reveals robust hand-tool construction throughout.
A piece of this scale, with this level of carving and this quality of patina, is increasingly difficult to find. It functions beautifully as a statement entryway bench, a fireplace settle, or a sculptural object in a collected interior.
Please note: we have two of these benches available. Both are from the same private collection of Chinese antiques. Contact us if you are interested in acquiring the pair.
Origin: Southern China
Period: Late 19th – Early 20th Century
Material: Hardwood (likely teak or elm), iron hardware
Dimensions: 61.5"L × 18.5"D × 18.5"H
Condition: Good antique condition consistent with age. Surface wear, checking, old repairs, and patina throughout. Structurally sound. Please review all photos carefully.
Style: Chinese Folk Art, Global / Collected, Wabi-Sabi, Organic Modern
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- Dimensions
- 61.5ʺW × 18.5ʺD × 15.5ʺH
- Seat Height
- 15.5 in
- Number of Seats
- 1
- Period
- Early 20th Century
- Country of Origin
- China
- Item Type
- Vintage, Antique or Pre-owned
- Materials
- Wood
- Condition
- Good Condition, Original Condition Unaltered, Some Imperfections
- Color
- Brown
- Condition Notes
- Good antique condition consistent with age. Surface wear, checking, old repairs, and patina throughout. Structurally sound. Please review all photos … moreGood antique condition consistent with age. Surface wear, checking, old repairs, and patina throughout. Structurally sound. Please review all photos carefully. less
Questions about the item?
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Return Policy - All sales are final 48 hours after delivery, unless otherwise specified in the description of the product.
Cancellation Policy - Prior to shipping or local pickup, buyers may cancel an order for up to 48 hours, unless otherwise specified.
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