Antique Low Lacquered Wood Table, China (16005LMK)

Description

Late Qing Dynasty artisans devoted as much effort and attending detail to creating small treasures like this as they invested in larger pieces.  Handcrafted with mortise-and-tenon joints, these items were made without nails or glue, resulting in a more stable and longer lasting piece of furniture. Qing-furniture, referred to as vernacular furniture, was generally coated with red or black lacquer and then painted, and often carved and sometimes inlaid with other materials such as precious stones. It emphasized detail and extravagance as a sign of wealth and was often covered with auspicious symbols to bring blessings of fu to those fortunate to have it in their household. The left drawer is covered with peonies and vines surrounding the butterfly pull. The peony is equivalent to the first official rank symbolizing wealth, honor, and high status and when attached to a vine, it becomes a never- ending wish. The right has the sacred plum blossom whose 5 leaves are a wish for the Five Blessings or Happinesses and on the left side the Sacred or Japanese Lily (wannianging) containing the word wan meaning 10,000 so it increases the wish 10,000-fold. The butterfly handle, which is a homonym for accumulation or reaching the age of 70 or 80, is a wish for longevity and when combined with peonies is a triple blessing for honor, wealth and social status. The back side of the top has a long crack, common for furnishings of this age, but otherwise is in very good condition. This is part of the VA Accessories-and-Furniture Collection.