HOT ! Carved Antique Shaanxi Kang Table

Shaanxi, circa 1860

This unusual little table is from the central Chinese province of Shaanxi - home to China\'s ancient capital Xian. The ornate, heavily carved drawers and spandrels are a typical feature of furniture from the region and provide the table with its distinctive character. The original lacquer - once a deep red and contrasting black is still in place but has largely worn from the front of the table and on the top surface. Here the lacquer has also crackled in places over time, resulting in a highly unique patina. The three shallow drawers and two fixed panels below are in thick carved relief, showing floral designs which are repeated in the apron. The drawers can be removed to allow access to the interior space below them, once most likely used to store more valuable personal possessions. A unique piece in its original finish that would make a wonderful, characterful coffee table today.