Chinese furniture commends itself by its variety and its choice of wood essence. Whether precious or more ordinary, its inherited beauty or its uniqueness suffices to intensify the shapes and to reveal their very owners status.
The latter, a ritual object, was dedicated to worship Guanyin, goddess of mercy. Once a year, in order to receive a thousand and one offerings, this table was unveiled in the Chinese residence’s garden or on the terrace. The family thus paid homage to their goddess, thanking her for her valuable support and praising her for her forthcoming magnanimities.
This offerings’ table is outstanding by its seam’s refinement and the quality of its sculptured lines. The precious essence of the wood used, Ju wood or “southern elm”, offers a vivid color and a fine grain to it.
Of great simplicity, the rectangular upper tabletop brings to light the wood’s gorgeous and warm texture. Furthermore, the latter, emphasized by a narrow band, exhibits subtle round and overhanging corners.
The removable legs are built in under the tabletop and support, at mid-height, a second one. Their amazing carving and the richness of the scenery’s geometrical pattern convey unbelievable beauty. Moreover, their fineness defines its Maecenas’s renown.
Given its age, its well-preserved state and its astonishing workmanship, this is a rare offerings’ table. The wood in all its beauty and infinite shades, wondrously, enhances the grandness of its seam and the strength brought forth.
Art of China
Yuan Dynasty, 13th-14th Centuries
Ju-mu - “Southern elm”
Length : 135 cm
Width : 95 cm
Height : 90 cm
)
)
)
