Unparalleled ReproductionTriangle Shoulder Joint Rosewood Table with Cloud Pattern Apron at the Shanghai
The Triangle Shoulder Joint Table with Cloud Pattern Apron is carved from sturdy wood, achieving a distinctive charm when it comes to the structurally mellow Ming furniture still in existence. It’s steady and solid like a gentleman, and has been praised as a masterwork example of a rosewood drawing table since the late Qing Dynasty.
Triangle Shoulder Joint Rosewood Table with Cloud Pattern Apron currently housed at the Shanghai Museum
Previously collected by Mr. Wng Shixiang, the table is currently housed at Shanghai Museum. He wrote his works Ming Shi Jia Ju Zhen Shang (Appreciation of Ming-style Furniture) and Ming Shi Jia Ju Yan Jiu (A Study on Ming-style Furniture) on this table, from which we can see how much he loved this item of furniture.
A photo of Mr. Wang Shixiang in front of the table
On the apron of the table is an inscription of Pu Dong in the year of Ding-Wei during Guangxu’s reign in the Qing Dynasty. The 96-character inscription describes the circulation history and value of the table. As mentioned in the inscription, the table “was an artifact of Xipo, from a Song family in Shangqiu.” Mr. Wang Shixiang noted in Ming Shi Jia Ju Yan Jiu (A Study on Ming-style Furniture), “Xipo is the alternative name of Song Luo in the late Ming Dynasty and early Qing Dynasty, who was known for his extensive collections and connoisseurship. His father Song Quan and grandfather Song Piao were prominent officials. This, this table is likely a family heirloom of the Song family.”
As shown in the inscription, this table is placed in the same category as the Chinese torreya table of Xiang Molin (Xiang Zijing) and the chair of Gongxia (Zhou Tianqiu). It can be seen that PU Dong treasured this table and expected it to be handed down from generation to generation as he made the inscription.
Pu Dong, an imperial clansman of the late Qing Dynasty, made an inscription on the table
The uniqueness of this table lies in the inscription which is seldom seen on traditional Chinese furniture. From the detailed history of its circulation amongst well-known collectors in different eras, we can imagine its importance and value.
Why has this table won the favor of well-known collectors across generations? Aside from the ornaments on the legs, this massively built table is plainly decorated and simply designed. It exudes a mien of grandness, majesty and prestige.
Triangle Shoulder Joint Rosewood Table with Cloud Pattern Apron produced by Jiqingtang
The cloud pattern connecting the plates helps to bear the 100 kg weight of the solid wood table. The ingenious design of this supporting structure as a cloud pattern apron has showcased the volume of the table and at the same time distributed the weight upon the delightful curves.
Cloud Pattern Apron Details of theTriangle Shoulder Joint Rosewood Table with Cloud Pattern Apron by Jiqingtang
Leg Details of Triangle Shoulder Joint Rosewood Table with Cloud Pattern Apron by Jiqingtang
Leg Details of Triangle Shoulder Joint Rosewood Table with Cloud Pattern Apron by Jiqingtang