Pair of Chinese Wine Tables, Qing Dynasty, 19th Century.

About the Item

A finely proportioned pair of Chinese elm wine tables dating to the Qing Dynasty, each retaining a beautifully worn black lacquer surface that has softened over generations to reveal the warm amber tones of the elm beneath. Constructed using traditional mortise-and-tenon joinery throughout, the tables feature floating panel tops above elegantly shaped cloud-form aprons carried continuously around all four sides, a detail that gives the pieces a sculptural quality from every angle. While often referred to as wine tables, forms such as these occupied a variety of roles within the traditional Chinese interior, serving as display tables for scholar's objects, ceramics, bronzes, or treasured works of art. Their restrained architecture and balanced proportions embody the enduring appeal of classical Chinese furniture, where elegance is achieved through form rather than ornament. What makes this pair particularly compelling today is their remarkable versatility. Their scale allows them to function equally well as end tables flanking a sofa, bedside tables in a bedroom, consoles framing a doorway or fireplace, or display stands beneath artwork. The continuation of the shaped apron on all sides allows them to be placed in the center of a room or viewed from multiple anales without compromise It is precisely this adaptability that has made antique Chinese furniture a favorite of leading interior designers. The work of designers such as Michael S. Smith, Thomas O'Brien, Jean-Louis Deniot, and David Kleinberg frequently demonstrates how classical Chinese forms can bring warmth, texture, and architectural presence to both traditional and contemporary interiors. Pieces like these serve as visual anchors within a room, introducing history and craftsmanship while remaining remarkably compatible with modern furnishings and art. Surviving examples are increasingly difficult to find, while true matched pairs are considerably rarer. The combination of honest surface wear, traditional construction, elegant proportions, and the survival of the pair together makes these tables particularly desirable for collectors and designers alike

Dimensions:
Height: 32 in (81.28 cm)Width: 36.5 in (92.71 cm)Depth: 18.25 in (46.36 cm)
Sold As:
Set of 2
Style:
Qing (Of the Period)
Materials and Techniques:
Elm,Lacquer
Place of Origin:
China
Period:
Mid-19th Century
Date of Manufacture:
1830-1850s
Condition:
Repaired: Some very good old repairs, but in remarkably good shape for age. Beautiful worn surface. Wear consistent with age and use.
Seller Location:
Kilmarnock, VA
Reference Number:
1stDibs: LU883050574962