Chinese Round Base (Small)

The curls on this black stand are more fun than the top deserves.

This small round carved sandalwood base is from China. Sandalwood is a fragrant heartwood that has been valued in Asia for centuries, and it is used for carving, incense and religious objects. Captured here is a stepped, rounded rectangle with a plain upper surface and several fine ridges beneath. The waist is cut through with interlocking scroll shapes, and short bracket feet curve outward at the base. The surface has a dark, glossy sheen. It is 2.75 inches wide, 2 deep and 1.25 high.

A modest table that put its effort where it counts.