Nesting tables (4) - Mother of pearl, Rosewood

These are Chinese nesting tables made of rosewood with mother-of-pearl inlay, a classic example of traditional Chinese craftsmanship.

Description : Material: rosewood (or hongmu), a dense hardwood commonly used in fine Chinese furniture.

Design: The tops and sides are intricately inlaid with mother-of-pearl, depicting floral motifs, birds, and vines — symbols of prosperity, harmony, and longevity in Chinese art.

Form: A set of nesting tables, which originated in Qing Dynasty China and became especially popular in export furniture during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Finish: Polished with a deep reddish-brown tone, characteristic of quality rosewood furniture.
Age and Origin

Judging by the style and craftsmanship, these are likely mid-20th century reproductions of Qing-style furniture, though some sets from the early 1900s exist with nearly identical designs.

Such tables were often exported to Europe and North America, appealing to collectors of “Oriental” décor.