Chinese Rectangular Base (Small)

Low and lacquer dark, this stand does its best work by staying out of sight.

This small rectangular carved base is from China. It is sandalwood. Sandalwood is slow growing and fine textured, which allows carvers to cut crisp edges and smooth surfaces on even small objects. Thick-edged rectangular top above a slim carved band. Beneath it, a long oval void separates two curved sides. Small stepped feet ground the form, and the dark surface carries gentle scuffs near the lower edge. It is 3 inches wide, 1.5 deep and 1 high.

Not showy, just steady, and that is plenty.