This table depicts the ancient Chinese children's fable of 'THE CROW AND THE FOX'. Late Qing Dynasty (1644-1912). HARDWOOD ZITAN/HONGMU/ROSEWOOD TYPE. The decoratively shaped, demilune top inset with pink and gold-colored variegated marble, surrounded by a well-patinated beaded edge, the front frieze deeply reticulated with grapes and leaves featuring a lozenge-shaped panel carved with woodland animals in depiction of an old Chinese fable called 'The Crow and The Fox' that is a favorite of children. The side panels also carved and reticulated with charming scenes of squirrels scampering amongst fruited vines, enjoying the sweet treats. The four supporting legs are carved at each knee with its own dragon head peeking over a peony flower. Continuing down the legs are carved leaves and terminating at the feet are strongly-knuckled claws, each holding tightly onto ball-shaped 'pearls of wisdom'. MEASUREMENTS: approximately 31¾ in. high x 42 in. wide x 21 in. deep. SIGNED on the undersection of the marble top with 3 Chinese characters. PROVENANCE: An Old French Collection. For a very similar example, probably by the same furniture maker, please see: • Christie's, London, 31 March 2009, sale 5904, lot 361 For other similar examples, please see: • Christie's, London, 12 May 2009, sale 7720, lot 95 • Christie's, London, 11 June 2013, sale 8893, lot 144 • Christie's, London, 4 February 2014, sale 5148, lot 95. Note: The wood of this type of furniture is, many times, referred to as Zitan, Hongmu or Rosewood. It is a very heavy and very dense wood that allowed for the master woodcarver to bring out the most excellent details for his design work. This type of wood also allowed for the most beautiful, high-polish rendered on the finished product. Tables of this type were only available to very wealthy people of the time and were also found in the buildings of the Chinese Imperial Palaces where the location for placement would be written on the undersides. Today, this wood is very rare as much has been cut down in the past and the trees that produce this type of wood grow very, very slowly, taking many decades to produce timber that is good enough to be carved into tables like this. For additional pictures in a larger size, please see our web site. Sterling Traditions Catalog: Chinese: Furniture: Hongmu, Zitan, Rosewood: Table. 纯品 传说 商品目录: 中国的: 家俱: 红木, 紫檀木, : 桌子