Chinese Wood Miniature Base

Dark, irregular pedestal that rises from the table like a small stone.

This miniature wooden base is from China, and dates to the 19th century. It is wood. Chinese display stands are commonly carved from hardwood, with legs, aprons and edges shaped to echo the lines found in classical Chinese furniture. Low stand in dark brown, with a flat, slightly oval top and a rough, uneven base cut into root-like or rock-like forms. A narrow crack runs across the top. The surface is dry and matte. It is 0.5 inches wide, 1.5 deep and 0.5 high.

Unsmoothed and unfussy, and clearly unconcerned.