Altar table; China, XVIII-XIX centuries.

Altar table; China, XVIII-XIX centuries.
Hongmu wood.
Measurements:
Supported by four legs joined in pairs, this elegant altar table dated to the 19th century evidences its origin, coming from a large Chinese family. With a design based on rather simple but stylized lines, it presents its decoration by carving, especially in the area of the legs, in the form of stylized flowers and scrolls. A subtle skirt decorates the front of the altar, contributing to the restrained and refined decoration of the piece.
The piece belongs to the late Qing dynasty (1644-1911), a period marked by the continuity of craft traditions and a high level of technical refinement. Altar tables (gong'an or tiao'an) occupied a central place in homes and temples, where they were used for ancestor worship, the arrangement of offerings, incense and ritual objects, reflecting the importance of Confucianism and filial piety in Chinese society.
The piece is made of hongmu wood, a term that encompasses several tropical hardwoods of great density and value, highly prized for their strength, fine grain and dark tone.