Chinese Miniature Base, Square S

Wild streaky grain runs across the top like a weather map of a very dark day.

This small square miniature huali base is from China, and dates to the 20th century. Huali is a Chinese hardwood with a warm golden-brown color and a lively figured grain, and it has long been used for fine furniture. The low rectangular body steps outward in layered moldings around a flat framed panel. Pale and dark stripes of grain show through a satin finish. Small bracket feet and a faint carved band sit along the lower edge. It is 3.75 inches wide, 3.75 deep and 0.75 high.

Quietly confident, and happy to stay underneath things.