A Recessed-Leg Side Table

Price On Request

Full Description

The recessed-leg design is probably the most classical and important design in Chinese furniture. The simplicity of its lines, the subtlety of its splayed structure and its strong links to architecture make it a perfect illustration of the brilliance and excellence of Chinese furniture design. Amongst the many recessed-leg tables that have survived, this piece must rank as one of the finest. The design and proportions are superb. The strong oval (rather than round) legs accentuate the line of the splay and lend a sense of strength and stability to the structure. The plain aprons, which delicately taper upwards at the ends, complement the plain edge of the top, adding a subtle sense of mass without ever being visually imposing. These in turn are well supported by the finely shaped, slender spandrels. The underside of the tabletop is coated with a layer of lacquer to help seal the joints and minimise moisture and movement. The crowning glory of this piece, however, is the extraordinarily grained top and the brilliantly conceived joinery used to maximise the natural beauty of the wood.