Tables of this type are known as incense stands although they would have been just as likely to have held candles or lanterns for lighting interiors. Lacquer or hardwood examples of square or circular stands dating to the 16th and 17th century are very rare. Compare with a huanghuali and burlwood example from the Dr. S.Y. Yip Collection, illustrated in The Dr. S.Y. Yip collection of Classical Chinese Furniture, Hong Kong, 1991, no. 36. Compare also an important 15th/16th century mother-of-pearl inlaid incense stand, also from the Hung collection, sold at Christie's Hong Kong, 27 May 2009, lot 1813.