QING DYNASTY, LATE 18TH/19TH CENTURY

An interesting point of note is the combination of the two decorative motifs: the traditional Chinese peony blossom and European style acanthus leaves. In this instance, the beaded elements growing amongst furled leaves carved on the aprons probably represent stylised acanthus flowers; the blossoms of which grow in gradated form along their stems. The present tables are good examples fashioned after the Qianlong style, heightened by an occidental design applied on a highly valued zitan wood. Square-form tables of this type were also known as Baxiangzhuo, 'Table of the Eight Immortals', having derived their name from the practicality of accommodating a seating of eight guests.

Compare to a zitan long table also decorated with rococo-style acanthus leaves from the Qing Court Collection, illustrated in Furniture of the Ming and Qing Dynasties (II), The Complete Collection of Treasures of the Palace Museum, Hong Kong, 2002, pl. 119. A very similar zitan square table dated to the Qianlong period was sold at Christie's Hong Kong, 27 November 2007, lot 1673.