Chinese Wood Base

Matte black on top and cut through with curling openwork below.

This carved wood base is from Guangdong Province, China. A display base lifts an object off the surface and sets it apart, and Chinese stands for stones, ceramics and sculptures are usually made in carved hardwood. Round stand with a flat, jet-dark top ringed by a rounded rim. Below it, the apron is pierced into scrolling cloud-like shapes that open into small feet. A faint crack runs across the surface. It is 2 inches high and 5.75 in diameter.

Severe above, frilly below, and balanced about right.