CHINA, 17TH CENTURY

Any table with proportions of width and depth comparable to those of the present table should be considered a painting table. A true painting table must have a surface broad enough to accommodate a large painting and the accoutrements associated with painting or calligraphy, such as ink, ink stones, brushes, and washers.

Defined by its elegant proportions and austere silhouette, the present table is an exceptional example of its type. The massive solid tielimu was selected for its attractive and vigorous grain and fitted with delicate everted ends. The whole is raised on gently splayed legs joined by pairs of stretchers. Notable examples of tielimu furniture include a rare tielimu flush-corner-leg table sold in the Marie Theresa L. Virata Collection of Asian Art: A family legacy; Christie’s New York, 16 March 2017, lot 664 and a tielimu flush-mitre joint recessed-leg table carved with foliate spandrels sold at Christie’s New York, 25 March 2022, lot 1179.