Chinese Ruyi Foot Square Table, C. 1880

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More portable than heavy chairs, stools have been a favored form of seating in Chinese culture for centuries and were … Read more More portable than heavy chairs, stools have been a favored form of seating in Chinese culture for centuries and were used indoors and out at mealtimes and during social gatherings. This type of square stool is known as a fang deng and today doubles as a low side table or nightstand.

Dated to the late 19th century, this antique Chinese stool is crafted of northern elm (yumu) and finished in smooth, dark brown lacquer. Constructed with mortise-and-tenon joinery, without the use of nails or screws, the square table has a classic, waisted design with inset legs ending in hoof feet and braced with humpback stretchers. The feet are subtly carved in low relief with additional detail, shaped with geometric spirals and a cloud-like ruyi head, a symbol of immortality. See less