Chinese Lute-Form Stool with Scroll

A tabletop that curls into scrolls at both ends, like a page unrolling.

This lute-form stool with scroll is from Shanxi Province, China, and is contemporary, in lacquered elm wood. Scroll-ended tables and benches are a classic form in Chinese furniture, echoing the shape of a rolled painting or book. The flat black top bends down in a smooth arc at each side and ends in a rounded roll with a spiral on the end. A thin gold line traces the edge, and the lacquer is worn lightly at the rims. It is 24 inches long, 12 deep and 14 high.

Sit down, or set down a cup. It will not mind.