A Rare Simian-Ping (four-sides-flush) Stool

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Full Description

This wonderful small stool is an extremely rare, if not unique, variant of the corner-leg form. The simian-ping (four-sides-flush) design is rarely found in stools, although some examples of larger stools and benches are known. The execution of the design here is exemplary. The plain legs end in well-shaped, low hoof feet; the taper of the legs enhances the sense of lightness and balance. The sharp linearity of the outside is juxtaposed with the curved inside corners and strong, gently hump-backed stretchers below. The most intriguing feature of this stool, however, is the solid top. Instead of the typical frame construction top, which would normally hold a cane seat, this stool has a thick, solid piece of huanghuali timber which sits flush atop the aprons and legs. This unusual feature lends the design a very strong sense of structural and visual integrity. This stool was discovered (and almost certainly made) in the Songjiang region (between Shanghai and Suzhou) of southern China, where much of the highquality huanghuali furniture was originally made. During the Ming and Qing dynasties stools were normally made in pairs or sets. However, some stools were almost certainly made as singles. Whilst it is unclear if this rare form was conceived for a particular use, it seems quite possible that this piece would have been a custom order for a particular function, location or client.