Oriental Entry Table
These oriental entry table pieces bring functional surface space and striking character to a hallway, drawing rooms through distinctive craftsmanship.
Oriental Entry Table
The selections span the nineteenth century and early decades of the twentieth century, reflecting Chinese traditional, Qing Dynasty, and Burmese colonial aesthetics. These furnishings provide practical ledges for display while introducing sculptural silhouettes to an interior.
What varies in quality
The refinement of the carved relief work distinguishes finer examples from simpler provincial counterparts. Crisp execution in floral or geometric motifs indicates superior workshop standards.
Selection of denser timbers, such as rosewood and heavy hardwoods, generally denotes higher manufacturing ambition compared to standard elm or mixed woods. Preservation of original lacquer finishes also influences the standing of a piece.
The Oriental Entry Table Glossary
- Altar table
- A traditional rectangular table featuring upturned flanges at the short ends, originally designed for ceremonial use before transitioning to domestic hallways.
- Console table
- A wall-mounted or freestanding table designed to stand against a vertical surface, offering a narrow profile suitable for entrance halls.
- Lacquer
- A durable natural resin coating applied in multiple layers to wood surfaces, often pigmented red or black to create a smooth, protective sheen.
- Qing Dynasty
- The final imperial dynasty of China, spanning from the seventeenth to the early twentieth century, known for ornate hardwood carving.
- Elm
- A resilient domestic timber frequently utilised in regional Chinese cabinetmaking for its fibrous grain and structural stability.
Oriental Entry Table: Frequently Asked Questions
Where should an oriental entry table go?
These tables find a natural home in entrance halls, corridors, and narrow reception spaces where a shallow surface is required.
Their slim profiles allow them to sit flush against a wall without obstructing passageways while holding lamps or decorative objects.
How do I care for lacquered wood?
Dust surfaces regularly with a soft, dry cloth to prevent particulate buildup from dulling the finish.
Keep pieces away from direct sunlight and radiators to protect the timber and the delicate lacquer layers from drying out.
What is an altar table?
An altar table is a distinct form featuring an elongated rectangular top, often with distinctive flanged ends.
Originally intended for ancestral halls, these pieces now serve as striking console surfaces in modern living spaces.
Are these tables solid wood?
Cabinetmakers constructed these pieces using traditional timber species including elm, camphorwood, and dense Asian hardwoods.
Solid construction ensures durability, allowing the furniture to withstand daily use in busy entrance areas.