Ming Style Huali Chinese Console Table - Circa 1945

This beautiful old Chinese hardwood console table is constructed from huali wood, specifically Vietnamese yellow huali (越南黄 yuènán huáng) a form of rosewood. The wood grain is incredibly decorative - this would have been an expensive commission made by a master carpenter.

An identical but larger version can be seen in Chinese Domestic Furniture by Gustav Ecke (pl.66) made in jichimu (chickenwing). There are two possibilities; either this is a this is a convincing replica made in the 1940's or it is an original Ming dynasty table. The craftsmanship is excellent and to be expected given the quality of wood used. It has convincing wear conducive with age and old repairs in the form of butterfly joints on the underside of the table (see underside photo). We have made the decision to date conservatively. 

This style of table is referred to as a 'recessed leg side table' in most Chinese furniture literature.  . in most tables were used for ancestor worship in China. Usually, a family ancestor portrait would be hung above the table & joss sticks lit & placed on the table for the well-being of the household.

References: 

The original table that can be found in Beijing Museum see pl.66 in Chinese Domestic Furniture by Gustav Ecke for the original table.