A particularly elegant small Chinese Scholars table-stand in hongu with burlwood inlay – 18th century Qing dynasty

Description

This small Chinese Scholars table belongs to a class of objects known in Chinese as Wén fáng qīng gong (文房清供) or in English referred to as “Scholar Objects.” There are many classifications of scholarly objects, such as items for the scholar’s study room (书斋清供) to items specifically for the desk (案头清供).

Unlike daily use items, elegant miniature table stands like this Chinese Scholars table were intended to be placed on a desk, table or bookcase and used to enhance and display the owners collections. They were meant not only as practical tool but also themselves as form of private art to be appreciated and collected.

This particular Chinese Scholars table was most likely made in Suzhou during the 18th century and reflected the refined taste of the Jiangnan literati. Its core frame is constructed from red suanzhimu (红酸枝木), one of the three main kinds of Hongmu along with black (黑酸枝木) and white (白酸枝木). The openwork carved apron consists of curly grass patterns surrounding a center Ruiy and hemmed in on the bottom by opposing braided rope pattern. This pattern is known in Chinese as Lā shéng wén (拉绳纹) and first appeared during the Qianlong reign and can often be seen on furniture of the period. Inset in the top of the table is a huali burlwood (花梨) panel with beautiful fish scale (鱼鳞纹) patterns.

Size (cm) 30.5 x 18 x 19
Provenance: Private Japanese collection
Comes with original wooden box.

Also pictured here:

• Yu Lan Listening to the Zither ((1742-1809)
• Table and ornaments, approximately 1800 – 1810  British Library archive