Corner-leg Painting Table

China

late 17th century

Huanghuali hardwood

Minneapolis Institute of Art

A rectangular wooden table with four legs is shown against a white background. The table has a simple, elegant design with curved brackets connecting the legs to the tabletop. The centerpiece of any scholar's studio was typically a large table that served as a desk on which to paint, store writing materials, and produce calligraphy. The elegant profile, refined proportions, restrained decor, and exquisite craftsmanship of this work makes it one of the most beautiful surviving examples of a large corner-leg table. The beautiful narrow apron and adjoining spandrels, which continue a third of the way down the legs, are innovative features. Minimally carved with a restrained key fret motif, the aprons accentuate the simple linearity of the frame. <P>A flush-sided corner-leg table such as this is not strong. I