Elm Table In The Style Of Ming Dynasty

In a style associated with furniture from the earlier Ming dynasty, this elegant, yet plain table was produced from elm wood during the mid 19th century in Shanxi province. It was most likely used originally as a ‘painting table’ for calligraphy, doubling up as more general work surface too.

Each leg is flush with the corner (a type of table referred to as ‘zhuo’ in Chinese) and strengthened with S-shaped diagonal braces that are fitted from the inside upper part of each leg into the underside of the table. This type of support is typical of Ming furniture and are know as ‘giant’s arm’ braces (‘bawangcheng’ in Chinese).

This simply styled table has elegant legs ending in large, horsehoof style feet, that are distinctive in Chinese furniture. The original lacquered finish is still very much intact, though worn around the feet and on the table’s top surface forming a lovely patina and attractive grain brought out by the rich dark finish.

Today the table would work perfectly as a very attractive desk, console or possibly as a narrow dining table.