Chinese Root Wood Table

Swirling grain and wandering holes give this tall tangle a rather dramatic personality.

This root wood table is from Hebei Province, China, and dates to the early 20th century. It is zhu mu wood. Collectors generally weigh aesthetics, age, condition, design, origin and provenance when judging antique furniture, though the article argues that scarcity ends up with the greatest influence on value. Tall twisted form with flowing, marbled grain in gold and brown. Large openings pierce the body, and small trailing tips spread near the base. The top is flat and lightly rough, and the sheen is soft. It is 23 inches long, 16 deep and 29.75 high.

A knot that decided to become a landmark.