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Here is one of the tables I just bought, a small hongmu rectangular table with 4 stone inset panels on the top - a nice, but otherwise good (not great) 19th c. table.
However, the table has a feature I have never seen before - each side has a wooden mechanical drop leaf extension with a carved flower design, plum blossom, orchid, bamboo, and chrysanthemum - referred to the four nobles or gentlemen (junzhi).
The table is too small for the extension to act like stools (I think), and when open, they are set below the level of the table top. Perhaps this is a design copied from European furniture?
I thought it might be a game table, but it lacks drawers, so I think it's unlikely.
Another thought was that each season, a corresponding leaf is raised to display the season's flower....maybe a vase or precious object is displayed on the drop leaf until the next season starts, and the process starts over again, but I cant explain why the table is rectangular and not square.
What do you think?
Must admit I have never seen anything like this before. It's intriguing...... 🤔
You would have to seek out a chinese furniture specialist. Perhaps Peter or maybe Brettm might be able to enlighten us all.
I agree it certainly looks like hongmu. Could it be a special order do you think? Perhaps export/other late 19th early 20th century.
I can ask a couple of people people if you wish?
Mark
Hi
I agree with Mark. I think it is probably hongmu but I am not convinced it is a 19th century. The style of the carved incised decorations looks more recent.
You have a very interesting and unusual table nonetheless.
Perhaps a special order, but given that Chinese classical furniture follows very strict design elements, it should have some historical reference from where the design originated.
The apron design of twisted rope is a known 19th c. design element, but there are a lot of variations in how it is rendered. This one with the triple circles seems rather complex.
https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-5925481
The carving of the flowers is deep and crisp...I understand why it looks more modern, they look a bit simplified, but everything else looks correct with appropriate wear...especially the inset stone.
You are also correct that these tables were made and exported (especially the round stools & stands with the heavy foo dog / rococo carving), but the four season design has more meaning in Chinese culture than Western, so I think this suggests domestic use.
Here is a 19th c zitan table with twisted rope apron... similar, but not exact design.
https://www.sothebys.com/fr/auctions/ecatalogue/2018/chinese-art-hk0803/lot.461.html
I think it’s a calligraphy table the leafs are for drying. Just a guess
@lotusblack Do you have any photos of a similar table to share? So, a quick Google using 'Chinese calligraphy table' shows what I would call a painting table, a long and narrow rectangular table that for all intensive purposes is what most everyone (incorrectly) calls an altar table. Nothing with these unusual drop leaf trays or seats, or whatever they are.
The few mechanical type tables I've seen at auction are rather expensive and made from rare wood.
I think this is a nicely done novelty type piece of furniture, but let's see what we can turn up in the next few days.
It isn't so much the apron or twisted ropes decorations that caught me eye but rather the incised carved flowers. They aren't done in a classical chinese manner. But other than that it looks good so maybe it is only a unusual design or perhaps it was added later.
Yes, could be a copy of a European style. A table, not Chinese, just like that sold here at an auction at the weekend. It was described, I think, as a drinks table but I think the flaps extended a lower shelf. I will see if the catalogue is still up and check.
Hello,
Won't comment on the timber as I can't see it clearly enough on my screen. As far as use is concerned would suggest that perhaps the top with the stone inserts for use with hot vessels. Could it be for hot food on top. Cool sauces etc on the lower sections or perhaps a more votive use with incense burners to the top and figures etc lower down. I suppose that knowing it's dimensions height, width etc size of the flaps the strength of the supports for the flaps would be helpful before speculating on it's purpose. The carving on the flaps to my eye and it may just be a trick of the light appear carved in a sunken relief rather than raised relief which if true would give a flat surface for something to rest on. The carving on these panels especially the flower in photo 3 look Japanese to me. Why have 4 panels of stone to the top two of which seem heavily veined and two much plainer maybe that's the key to establishing it's purpose. Maybe 4 hot pots of different food stuffs ?
Michael
The half white marble, and half pudding stone like marble is also a mystery...good eye, Michael!
I thought maybe the two white pieces were replacements done early on since the underside shows the same patina. However, inspecting the construction, it all looks original.
Pink marble tops is a common design element on 19th hongmu furniture, but I've not seen many alternating color marble, none in this manner. However, I am not aware it was done for functional use, like a surface for hot pots, but it certaily would work.
Tables used for eating are generally round with bases that seperate so that they are easy to store when not eating, or square, so multiple tables can be joined together so more people can eat together. Ive not seen tables used for specifically for serving food or sauces, and I think culturally that the Chibese serve everything to the table.
Lowering the level of sauces below the normal level of the table, or for that matter any food item, seems to offer no benefit. Why would you do that?
This does not eliminate the pissibility that this table is a Chinese copy of a Western design, so, lets see what Julia comes up with.
The best clue IMO is the four seasons design - it was put on those movable trays/leafs for a reason. The fact that the trays fold rather than permanently sticking out in a fixed position also points to situational use, rather than constant use.
I wish I knew more about how the Chinese celebrate the change of seasons....I think that is where the answer lies.
If the trays were not present, it would be fair to call this style of table an occassion table. So, the trays just narrow the scope of what occassions/ceremony the table is to be used.....I think. Who knows at this point?
Ha Ha,
With 4 little corn nuggets seated around it you could be in for a messy ride.
Michael
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