Kang table/scholar table - China - Early 20th century

Chinese lacquered low table with landscape and calligraphy – China – early 20th century

Elegant Chinese lacquered low table (kang table / scholar’s table), finished in deep black lacquer and richly decorated with polychrome and gilt-painted motifs.

The rectangular top is finely painted with a traditional Chinese landscape, depicting mountains, rocks, trees, and vegetation arranged in a harmonious composition. Such landscapes symbolise withdrawal from worldly concerns and harmony between man and nature, central themes in Chinese literati culture.

The surrounding panels are decorated with floral motifs and red seal-style marks. The interior panels bear red Chinese calligraphy, executed in vertical columns. The inscription is composed of Confucian and Daoist moral aphorisms, a feature characteristic of scholar furniture from the late Qing and early Republican period.

Calligraphy – translation and interpretation

The inscription refers to ideals of learning, moral cultivation, and inner balance, and may be translated and interpreted as follows:

Through poetry and learning, one cultivates benevolence and righteousness;
With loyalty and integrity, one refines virtue.
By understanding the Way, the spirit becomes clear;
In calming the mind, one nurtures the true self.

The text evokes themes of poetry and classical learning (詩書), benevolence and righteousness (仁義), loyalty and trustworthiness (忠信), and the cultivation of virtue (修德), alongside ideals of clarity of the Way (明道) and nurturing one’s inner nature through tranquillity (靜心養性). Such inscriptions reinforce the contemplative and scholarly character of the piece.

The table stands on elegantly curved cabriole legs and shows clear signs of handcrafted construction. The lacquer surface displays natural wear, patina, and rubbing, consistent with age and long use, enhancing the authenticity and historical presence of the object.

Origin & period
• China
• Late Qing dynasty to early Republic period
• Circa 1880–1920

Material & technique
• Wood
• Black lacquer with hand-painted decoration in gold and polychrome pigments

Condition
• Good overall condition considering age
• Wear, rubbing, and minor losses to the lacquer consistent with use and age
• No major structural damage observed
• Please refer to the photographs for a complete condition overview


Remarks

Lacquered low tables of this type were traditionally used in scholars’ studios, reception rooms, or on kang platforms, serving as tea tables or display furniture. Examples combining landscape painting and meaningful calligraphy are particularly appreciated by collectors, as they embody the close relationship between furniture, poetry, painting, and philosophy in Chinese culture.

The description above is done with Chatgpt.