Carved Elm Temple Table, Shanxi

This beautifully ornate table would once have been used as an altar table, most likely in a temple in Shanxi province where it was sourced and is one of the best examples of the style that we have seen in recent years.
Altar tables were used to present offerings to the gods, each placed on its surface along with burning insense sticks.
This is a quite rare piece in a highly original condition with the original lacquer on the table largely worn away to reveal the more natural colour of the elm wood underneath. It was once finished in a black lacquer with the beautifully carved drawer fronts in contrasting bright reds, the colours are now soft muted tones following years of use. A full width drawer sits over two smaller drawers, each in deep carved relief showing traditionl floral patterns. The larger drawer has a handle that would connect to a ring fitted into the frame below, allowing this to be locked when storing valuables, each drawer is dressed with a simple drop brass handle.
It has a wide, deep top surface which is particular worn to show the grain of the wood, with spandrels at each side that are carved in a traditional dragon design and taper down from the table's extended top surface towards the lower legs. There is a repair to the left hand spandrel towards the bottom section, which has been cleverly fitted to match the original.

A striking piece of furniture with wonderful ornate detail and a sense of Chinese history that would make a real statement in any room setting.