Qing dynasty (1644-1912), probably Qianlong period (1736-1795), appears to be rosewood or zitan, a clean austere wood grain top with elaborately carved apron of squirrels amidst grapevines to front and back, table meant to be viewed from all sides, relief carved bats with pairs of fish to top of legs, rectangular marble inset panels to all four legs, legs have ruyi cloud feet.


33 7/8 x 65 x 17 1/4 in.

Auspicious Chinese motifs abound on this table: bats symbolizing longevity, twin fishes symbolizing abundance, lingzhi symbolizing immortality, and the more rare motif of squirrels and grapevines symbolizng the wish for fertility and specifically generations of sons and grandsons. Grapes have been featured as a decorative motif on metalwork since the Tang dynasty (618-906), but the combination of squirrels and grapes did not appear in art until the late Yuan or early Ming dynasty. During the Qing dynasty the motif grew in popularity on ceramics, cloisonne, and in painting, but rarely featured on furniture, making this finely crafted table table even more important.

Some small breaks with repair to apron; some loss to underside support corners; some small lifts to interior table surface frame; very minor light scratches to table surface; one leg with small area of loss towards middle.

$1,500 - 3,000