Chinese Opera Podium Table with 3 Drawers

A painted lion-dog glares from its round medallion while the corners of the chest quietly give up.

This opera podium table with 3 drawers is from Hebei Province, China, and dates to the mid 19th century. It is lacquered & painted elm wood. Many Chinese antiques are now returning to China through auction houses and foreign dealers, as Chinese buyers actively purchase older pieces back, which the article describes as reclaiming their heritage. Square chest with a hinged lid and a cream band painted with fruit and flowers. The front is a worn orange ground with a round cream medallion holding a winged, scaly beast. Heavy flaking and scuffs along the base, small block feet. It is 37 inches long, 25.25 deep and 33 high.

Scratched, flaking and still looking ready for a fight.