Chinese Miniature Base, with Greek Key Motif

Two fretwork spirals hold up a thin top, like a tiny pavilion with ambition.

This miniature huali base with a Greek key motif 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. A narrow rectangular shelf rests on open sides carved into square scrolling meander patterns joined by a curved bridge. The wood is dark brown with a worn sheen. Short splayed feet turn out at each end. It is 5.5 inches wide, 2 deep and 1.5 high.

All that carving, and the whole point is to lift something an inch.