Chinese Wood Calligraphy Table

Red table with a wavy apron and feet that curl like little hooves.

This calligraphy table is from Shanxi Province, China, and dates to the 19th 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. Rectangular table in worn red lacquer with a flat top and a scalloped apron. The legs are square with scroll-shaped brackets and end in dark, curled feet. Brown wood shows through at the edges. It is 79 inches long, 31 deep and 33.5 high.

Cheerful color, humble manners, and a good stance.