Elm Altar Table From Shanxi - 19th Century Material - Catalpa Wood scrolling foliage and geometric detailing

scrolling foliage and geometric detailing — framed within a simple architectural structure

94 x 9 x 175 (wxdxh cms)

Supplied on a contrasting black marble base

this piece is animated by a series of sinuous serpents that weave dynamically across the surface

Chocolate And Ivory Tones

Elm Altar Table From Shanxi - 19th Century Material - Catalpa Wood scrolling foliage and geometric detailingThis Chinese Ming style altar table dates from the 19th Century and was once covered in a burgundy lacquer. It is constructed from a single plank of thick northern elm wood (yumu). Much of the lacquer has worn away over the years leaving a pleasing patchy rustic look. We have sensitively restored this piece conserving its original finish. Altar tables were used for ancestor worship in China. Usually, a family ancestor portrait would be hung above the