Chinese Kang-Form Miniature Base

Boldly, a low, dark stand with a stepped top and cut-out apron beneath.

This kang-form ebony miniature base is from China, and dates to the 20th century. Ebony is a very dense, dark hardwood that carves cleanly and takes a deep polish, and it has long been prized for fine Chinese stands and furniture. Altogether, a plain rectangular stand in deep, near-black brown, with a stepped, moulded top and a shallow recess. The base has a cut-out apron and short feet. The surface is smooth with fine grain showing through the polish. It is 3.5 inches wide, 2 deep and 1 high.

Plain and dark, and entirely at ease holding up other objects.