Chinese Miniature Base, Round

Round black stand pierced all over with lacy, curling scrolls.

This round miniature mahogany base is from China, and dates to the 20th century. Mahogany is a reddish-brown hardwood with a fine, even grain that carves cleanly and takes a deep polish, which suits small stands. Low round stand with a flat dark top and a domed, bulging side pierced in dense, curling scroll patterns. The openwork shows deep shadow through the pierced gaps. The surface is dark and softly lustrous. It is 1 inches high and 2 in diameter.

More hole than wood, and all the better for it.