Large cedar coffee table with carved belt – China, circa 1920

This large coffee table made of solid cedar measures 185 cm in length and features a trestle base with a sculpted, scalloped apron and central pendant. The top surface, entirely honest, reveals the golden cedar in its naturally aged patina. China, circa 1920. Elongated coffee tables were used in traditional Chinese homes as altar benches, side supports for the kang, or display surfaces for ritual objects. The limited height suited the low sitting posture typical of much of domestic life in northern China. The construction is entirely handcrafted: the top is made of continuous planks with slightly raised edges, the trestle base has two profiled supports joined by a low crossbar, and the apron features decorative cutouts with a scalloped profile and a central pendant as a geometric motif. Traditional mortise and tenon joints, without nails. Details. Materials and techniques: Solid cedar; trestle base; sculpted apron; mortise and tenon joints. Place of origin: China. Period: Late Qing tradition. Date of manufacture: Circa 1920. Dimensions: Length 185 cm – Depth 41 cm – Height 52 cm. Condition: Good. Wear consistent with age and use. Original patina.