Side Table

1600s

Side Table, 1600s. China, Ming dynasty (1368-1644) or Qing dynasty (1644-1911). Rosewood (huanghuali); overall: 86.4 x 199.4 x 41.9 cm (34 x 78 1/2 x 16 1/2 in.). The Cleveland Museum of Art, Severance and Greta Millikin Collection 1964.229 Long, rectangular tables were often placed against a wall to hold candlestands, flower vases, or incense burners. It was customary to hang ancestor portraits, images of religious figures, or seasonal paintings above the table that would convey auspicious wishes and blessings to the family.

The high legs show stylized cloud-shaped spandrels. At each end of the table, between the recessed legs, are carved openwork panels with a lively dragon motif. The table top is made of a single plank of wood.