Bleached Coffee Table From Henan - Ca 1900 Sideboards internal chain to support lid

internal chain to support lid

a reminder of its past life

Also known as the 'Monster of Greed' (T'ao t'ieh in Chinese)

with traces of old pitch still visible in parts of the carving

it has been repurposed as a decorative wall piece

Bleached Coffee Table From Henan - Ca 1900 Sideboards internal chain to support lidThis early 20th century elm coffee table from Henan province is a wonderfully honest example of traditional Chinese country furniture. Originally used for everyday family meals, its simple, robust construction reflects a life of practical use, while its timeworn surface tells a story of generations past. Crafted from solid elm, the table has developed a rich, varied patina, with deep tonal shifts across the top where years of use have softened the