Chinese Qing Dynasty Carved Hardwood Display Stand, Prunus and Birds, Dali Marble Inset, Canton Export, ca. 1890–1910
Original price was: € 250,00.€ 150,00Current price is: € 150,00.
Antique Chinese low display stand in carved hongmu-type hardwood, featuring a fully pierced prunus and bird apron, Dali marble circular inset, and a central carved peony stretcher boss. Canton export workshop, late Qing Dynasty, circa 1890–1910.
Out of stock
A refined example of late Qing Dynasty Canton export furniture, this circular low display stand combines accomplished hardwood carving with a warm Dali marble inset in a format that was among the most coveted of Chinese decorative arts objects in the European market of the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
The circular top frames a central inset of Dali stone — a decorative marble from Yunnan province, prized in Chinese aesthetics for its naturally occurring landscape-like veining — set within a segmented hongmu-type hardwood surround and edged by a continuous low-relief frieze of prunus branches in blossom.
The fully pierced apron below is carved in high relief with prunus branches bearing open blossoms, buds, and leaves, animated throughout by naturalistically rendered birds in flight and at rest among the branches — a motif of considerable symbolic resonance in Chinese decorative tradition, evoking longevity, renewal, and the beauty of the natural world. The carving is three-dimensional and confident, with the individual birds given distinct character and posture.
The four cabriole legs continue the prunus branch vocabulary along their full length, terminating in small scrolled feet. The X-form stretcher is joined at its centre by a carved boss in the form of overlapping peony and camellia blossoms — a sculptural detail of particular refinement that rewards close inspection.
The overall surface presents a deep, even dark patina consistent with genuine age, and the marble inset retains its original placement and warm ochre-and-brown coloring.
Pieces of this type were produced in the Canton (Guangzhou) workshops for export to Europe and America, where they served as display stands for porcelain, bronzes, or plants.
Origin / Designer / Manufacturer / Period / Style / Material / Dimensions
- Origin: Canton (Guangzhou), China — export workshop
- Designer: Anonymous master carver
- Period: Late Qing Dynasty, circa 1890–1910
- Style: Chinese export furniture / Qing Dynasty decorative arts
- Material: Hongmu-type carved hardwood, Dali marble inset
- Dimensions (approx.):
- Diameter: ~28 cm
- Height: ~35 cm
Condition Good antique condition consistent with age. Deep patina throughout, minor surface wear and small losses consistent with use and age. Marble inset intact and original. Structurally sound.
| Condition | Good, Restored |
|---|---|
| Material | Wood |
| Origin | China |
| Period | 1850-1900 |
| Style | Qing Dynasty |
Related Products
A 19th–early 20th century Dutch spinning wheel in dark-stained hardwood, featuring finely turned supports and a bronze medallion bearing a crowned “W” monogram, symbolizing the reign of Queen Wilhelmina. A decorative yet functional piece of Dutch textile heritage.
Out of stock
A rare 17th-century European iron strongbox, masterfully hand-forged with a breathtaking internal lock mechanism, original key, and faint remnants of its original polychrome decoration. A museum-worthy piece of security craftsmanship.
Out of stock
An authentic West African slit drum, hand-carved from a single log with deep vertical openings and a natural animal-skin drumhead. Showing pronounced surface erosion, rich patina, and visible adze tool marks, this late 19th–early 20th century piece served for both ritual music and long-distance communication in a traditional village setting.
1 in stock
An iconic set of four Siesta armchairs designed by Norwegian modernist Ingmar Relling. Restored and professionally cleaned, these chairs feature natural beech bentwood frames and tufted cognac leather cushions. A hallmark of Scandinavian ergonomic elegance and minimalist construction from the golden age of Norwegian furniture design.
1 in stock
A striking African ceremonial drum, mid-20th century, carved with three stylized tribal faces and topped with its original goatskin hide secured by natural fiber ropes. A powerful example of mid-century tribal artistry, both decorative and functional.
1 in stock
A superb English Windsor armchair, handcrafted circa 1880 in solid elm, boasting a beautifully pierced back splat, sculpted saddle seat, and masterfully turned legs. A true 19th-century original with deep, lustrous patina.
A robust and elegant industrial swivel chair from the early 20th century, featuring a solid beech wood frame with spindle back, saddle-shaped seat, and a cast iron rotating mechanism. Likely of Austro-German origin, this architect-style chair blends artisanal craftsmanship with early industrial design principles.
Out of stock
A robust Continental European dome-top trunk crafted from solid oak, circa 1800, featuring intricate hand-forged iron straps and decorative mounts with original patina. A fine example of period travel or storage chests.
1 in stock
Elegant Danish Modern set of three nesting side tables in teak, showcasing the refined craftsmanship and functional elegance of Scandinavian mid-century design.
1 in stock
Rare antique octagonal pedestal table entirely decorated in pyrography and polychrome, combining Neo-Brâncovenesc geometric ornament with Moorish Revival architectural form. Bucharest or Wallachia, circa 1890–1910.
Out of stock
A striking set of 3 postmodern Italian armchairs by Arrben, featuring tubular chrome frames, lightly curved solid wood arms, and rich brown leather seats and backs. Made in Italy, circa 1980s.
Out of stock
A finely carved Chinese Qing Dynasty hardwood plant stand, dating circa 1880–1900, featuring an inset marble top and intricate openwork detailing. A graceful late 19th-century piece combining traditional Chinese craftsmanship with elegant proportions.