Chinese Pair of Demilune Tables

Shiny dark oval top on thin legs and plain braces.

This pair of demilune tables is from Henan Province, China, and dates to the 19th century. It is lacquered elm wood. Tibetans were traditionally semi-nomadic and owned few personal furnishings, so most Tibetan furniture stood in monasteries, and some of it was carted over the Himalayas to India as monasteries were destroyed. Broad dark top with a center seam and a gently beveled edge. Slim round legs, with straight rails joining them below, hold it at table height. The glossy finish has reddish glints near the rim. It is 30.75 inches high and 55 in diameter.

Straight legs, round top, and no unnecessary fuss.