Side Table
Unknown Artist
1600s
Medium
Rosewood (huanghuali)
Dimensions
{"overall":{"height":0.864,"width":1.994,"depth":0.419}}
Classification
Furniture and woodwork
Department
Chinese Art
Museum
Cleveland Museum of Art
Credit
Severance and Greta Millikin Collection
Accession Number
1964.229
About this artwork
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.