Side Table

Original Language Title包藤皮平頭案

CultureChinese

DateReign of Kangxi (1662-1722)

MediumBlack reed veneer with black lacquer panel top and bronze feet

DimensionsOverall: 33 1/8 × 57 × 15 3/4 inches (84.14 × 144.78 × 40.01 cm)

Credit LinePurchase: the Kenneth A. and Helen F. Spencer Foundation Acquisition Fund

Object numberF72-53/1

On View

On view

Gallery Location

Collections

East Asian Art

Terms

DescriptionOne of a pair of rectangular tables with flush floating dark brown/black lacquer top contained within a typically constructed corner leg table form with high straight stretchers made of square section softwood core veneered with L-shaped sections of bamboo so that every surface, both interior and exterior is covered, the underside of the frame top with similar lacquer to the floating panel. There are cast bronze sabots, each numbered with a series of dots, to the bottom of each foot. Possibly 18th century.Exhibition History

Exhibition History

Emperors, Scholars and Temples: Tastemakers of China’s Ming and Qing Dynasties, The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, August 12, 2016 – July 9, 2017.

Gallery Label

Unlike the other furniture in this room, which is all made from hardwood, this table is constructed of reed. Previously we thought they were made from “solid” reed, but a Chinese furniture specialist concluded that the reed is in fact a veneer laid over a wood core. What do you think? Have a close look, but please don’t touch the tables. They are coated in lacquer, which can be damaged by contact with the oils on one’s fingers.

Provenance

Charlotte Horstmann Ltd., Hong Kong;

Purchased from Charlotte Horstmann Ltd. by The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, Kansas City, MO, 1972.

Published References

R. H. Ellsworth, Chinese Furniture (New York: 1970), 257, no. 89; 185, ill. (repro.).

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