Chinese Carved Hardwood Scholar's Tray, Qing Dynasty, 19th Century, China
- Hardwood
- 手工雕刻
A sophisticated Chinese carved and pierced hardwood scholar's tray, Qing Dynasty, 19th century, China.
The tray of rectangular form with high sides and rounded corners. The sides of framed floating panels delicately carved and pierced with an elaborate scrolling foliate design. The scholar's tray sits upon high feet, an extension of the rounded corners. A carved and pierced apron, also of scrolled foliate design, joins the feet.
The solid hardwood floating panel that makes up the base of the tray beautifully grained with a nice luster.
A staple of the scholar's studio, the tray was both decorative as well as utilitarian. A beautiful place to display scholarly items as well as an easy way to carry objects.