Call
Menu
2-T302
3-T302
4-T302
5-T302

SOLD - Large Side Table with Wan Carving

Shanxi Province, late C19th/early C20th

Dimensions: W:224.5 D:41 H:91.5 (cm)
Reference: T302
44 1242 639237
Email Us
  • Description

    With its classical presence, this alar table adapts well to modern interiors. An unusual feature is the auspicious swastika “ wan” carvings which in Buddhist society represents the footprint of the Buddha.  

    Complementing the wan are the fortuitous ruyi sceptre carvings. The wan are carved, almost hidden, on the panels between the legs, while the wish fulfilling ruyi is a larger, more dramatic panel carving.

    An apron is decorated with large carved fortuitous cloud spandrels with scalloped beaded edges, creating great elegance while supporting the fine single plank surface. Further decoration is present in the everted flanges and finely carved mouldings on the front legs. Traces of original lacquer are evident.

    This style of table, with everted flanges and carved side panels, is also known as an “altar table” used in households for ancestor worship; this name can be misleading as these tables were usually multifunctional and used additionally for non religious purposes.  The form of table can be traced to some of China’s earliest extant furniture, with the upturned or everted ends similar to those of ritual offering tables dating to the Zhou Dynasty (1046-256 BC). 

  • Print

    Download PDF

…classical proportions and form…

  • Rare genuine antiques
  • Highly appreciated sympathetic restoration
  • International delivery available

  • Over many years I have found Sharon’s treasure trove of Chinese furniture a wonderful insight into China’s history and heritage. Each piece tells a story of bygone days and I only wish I had more space to accommodate even more items.

    Lou Tabor

  • We are absolutely delighted with the our tall red lacquered leather Chinese hat-box we purchased from Sharon Fitzsimmons. We were looking for an interesting and unusual piece, and this absolutely fits the brief. The quality, colour and size are perfect for our needs, both in appearance and as a useful side-table. Not only that, but we have an interesting talking point for our guests!

    Peter and Joanna Ruddock

  • I have a modern house and the clean lines of antique Chinese furniture suit it very well. The occasional red lacquer piece looks striking, such as a coffer I use as a sideboard in my dining area. I particularly love a pair of narrow, columnar walnut Gansu cabinets and I think they will enhance a contemporary walnut dining table I am awaiting delivery. I like the visual interest of old wood and mixing old and new adds character to a decor.

    Tina MacFarlane
image-feature-point-2.jpg?w=746&h=1024&scale

Why Choose a Piece from the Collection

We have a rigorous selection criteria that every late Qing Dysnasty (1644-1911) piece must meet: authenticity, rarity, originality, function and fine craftsmanship. The provenance varies but is mostly Shanxi Province, a region renowned for Qing furniture. We offer diversity, and styles range from classical to vernacular. Over the many years the true testimony of our selection process is that customers are more than satisfied, and are often repeat buyers, as pieces are consistently proven to enhance interiors.

Restoration as Conservation of Antiques

Dedicated singlemindedness in carefully and painstakingly restoring every single antique, simple or complex, has resulted in a sympathetic conservation of antiques, pleasingly meeting customers satisfaction. Our restorers have an understanding of the original craftsman’s skills such as joinery, lacquering, carving, painting and other age old carpentry ways. Each restoration is done by experienced and skilled craftsmen with great attention to detail. On completion each piece is a stand alone form, with presence, integrity and artistic personality.

image-sharon-2-square

You may also like

View All