Chinese Pedestal Plant Stand (also known as a Jardinière Stand or Flower Stand)
Table (Pedestal/Accent Table) · Chinoiserie / Qing Dynasty Style (20th Century Reproduction) · Unknown; likely an artisan workshop in Southern China (Canton/Guangdong region) specializing in rosewood export furniture.
Type
Table (Pedestal/Accent Table)
Style Period
Chinoiserie / Qing Dynasty Style (20th Century Reproduction)
Material
Likely solid Rosewood (Huali) or Hongmu, possibly stained Elm (Yumu) with a dark lacquer finish.
Age Estimate
Circa 1950-1980 (Mid-to-late 20th Century)
Dimensions
Approximately 36 inches in height with a 12-14 inch diameter top; significantly taller than a standard side table.
Origin
China; highly indicative of the Mid-20th Century export market designed for Western homes.
Designer/Maker
Unknown; likely an artisan workshop in Southern China (Canton/Guangdong region) specializing in rosewood export furniture.
Value Estimate
$150 - $450 USD; value is driven by the density of the wood and the complexity of the hand-carving.
Description
An elegant, tall Chinese pedestal stand featuring a hexagonal or octagonal top. The piece is characterized by its long, sweeping cabriole legs that provide a slender profile, bridged by a decorative pierced-carve apron and stabilized by a low X-form stretcher. It serves as a dramatic display piece for ceramics or greenery.
Key Features
Elongated S-curve legs, pierced 'openwork' carving on the apron, dark reddish-brown lacquer, and the presence of a structural X-stretcher near the base.
Color & Finish
Deep reddish-brown to dark walnut stain with a high-gloss lacquer or clear varnish finish.
Construction Method
Hand-carved decorative elements with a mix of traditional joinery and likely modern adhesive reinforcement; typical of 20th-century export furniture.
Joinery & Craftsmanship
Features mortise and tenon joints at the X-stretcher and apron; the legs are elongated cabriole style with hand-carved openwork (pierced carving) on the apron.
Wood Grain & Species
Dense, fine-grained hardwood typical of tropical species; grain is mostly obscured by the dark pigment of the finish.
Surface Treatment
Intricately carved apron with floral or 'lingzhi' fungus motifs; smooth planed and polished legs terminating in simplified hoof feet.
Upholstery Details
None
Hardware & Fittings
None visible; construction relies on wood-to-wood joinery and carvings.
Origin & Provenance
China; highly indicative of the Mid-20th Century export market designed for Western homes.
Condition Notes
Appears to be in Good to Very Good condition; the finish remains reflective and structural integrity seems sound, though minor surface scuffs are visible near the feet.
Interesting Facts
In traditional Chinese homes, these stands were often used in pairs to flank doorways or altars, holding seasonal flowers or prized penjing (bonsai) trees.
Cultural Significance
Represents the long-standing Western fascination with 'Chinoiserie' and the adaptation of Ming and Qing dynasty design principles for global decorative markets.
Similar Pieces
Japanese Meiji-style stands (which often have more lacquer detail/gold) or Victorian-era English Chinoiserie stands (often made of mahogany or ebonized wood).
Care & Maintenance
Dust with a soft microfiber cloth; avoid silicone-based sprays. Keep away from direct sunlight and heat registers to prevent the hardwood from cracking or the lacquer from Checking.
Value Estimate
$150 - $450 USD; value is driven by the density of the wood and the complexity of the hand-carving.
Sustainability Notes
If made of older Dalbergia species (Rosewood), it would now be subject to CITES regulations; however, as a vintage piece, it represents high-quality 'slow furniture' that avoids modern disposable manufacturing.