Chinese Lute-Form Bench / Table, with Scroll Detail

A black scroll-ended bench that looks as if one sheet was rolled up at each end.

This lute-form bench / table, with scroll detail is from Shanxi Province, China, and dates to the early 18th century. It is lacquered elm wood. Collectors generally weigh aesthetics, age, condition, design, origin and provenance when judging antique furniture, though the article argues that scarcity ends up with the greatest influence on value. Low table with a smooth, glossy black top that curls down and under at both ends in large spiral rolls. The form is clean and unadorned, without legs, resting on its curls. The finish is even. It is 62 inches long, 15.5 deep and 14 high.

A single flowing gesture, with no extras.