Ming-Style Chow Table (Often referred to as a Parsons-style Grasscloth Coffee Table or Opium Table)
Table (specifically a Cocktails / Coffee Table) · Chinoiserie / Ming Revival (often associated with 1970s Hollywood Regency or Late 20th Century Transitional) · Likely a high-end commercial manufacturer such as Bungalow 5, Made Goods, or a vintage 1970s piece by Redford House.
Type
Table (specifically a Cocktails / Coffee Table)
Style Period
Chinoiserie / Ming Revival (often associated with 1970s Hollywood Regency or Late 20th Century Transitional)
Material
Lacquered grasscloth or raffia veneer over a wooden substrate (likely plywood or MDF) with a protective resin or lacquer top coat.
Age Estimate
Circa 1990-2010 based on the condition and specific green dye used.
Dimensions
Height: 16-18 inches; Width: 48-52 inches; Depth: 32-36 inches. This is a larger-than-standard cocktail table size.
Origin
Likely manufactured in Southeast Asia (Vietnam or Philippines) or the United States during the late 20th to early 21st century.
Designer/Maker
Likely a high-end commercial manufacturer such as Bungalow 5, Made Goods, or a vintage 1970s piece by Redford House.
Value Estimate
$600 - $1,200 USD depending on the manufacturer and the extent of edge wear. (Retail/Designer secondary market).
Description
This striking Ming-style cocktail table features a classic 'Chow' silhouette with inward-curving legs and a clean, rectangular top. Every surface is meticulously wrapped in woven grasscloth and finished in an elegant hunter green lacquer, blending ancient Eastern forms with 1970s-inspired tactile luxury.
Key Features
Inward-curving Chow legs, floating top apron design, distinctive woven texture, and uniform green lacquer finish.
Color & Finish
Deep forest green or hunter green with a high-sheen lacquer finish. The texture of the weave creates a multi-tonal light-catching effect.
Construction Method
Modern machine-made substrate with hand-applied woven natural fiber veneer. The piece features a floating-top appearance and flared chow-style legs.
Joinery & Craftsmanship
Likely modern joinery such as pocket screws or dowels hidden beneath the grasscloth wrap. Standard commercial-grade craftsmanship.
Wood Grain & Species
No visible wood grain due to the grasscloth wrap; the interior frame is likely a secondary industrial wood.
Surface Treatment
Lacquered woven grasscloth. The edges show slight wear/scuffing revealing the light-colored natural fibers beneath the green dye.
Upholstery Details
None; however, the grasscloth surface is a 'wrapped' technique similar to upholstery using woven fibers.
Hardware & Fittings
No visible hardware. Most examples of this style use internal cam-locks or glued mortise-and-tenon joints for a seamless look.
Origin & Provenance
Likely manufactured in Southeast Asia (Vietnam or Philippines) or the United States during the late 20th to early 21st century.
Condition Notes
Good condition. There is visible edge wear on the corners where the green lacquer has chipped or abraded, showing the natural fiber underneath. Structurally sound.
Interesting Facts
The 'Chow' leg is a Western adaptation of the traditional Chinese 'Hoof' foot, popularized during the Mid-Century Chinoiserie craze.
Cultural Significance
Represents the long-standing Western fascination with Orientalism and the 'Hollywood Regency' trend of using textured natural materials in formal shapes.
Similar Pieces
Often confused with Karl Springer raffia tables (higher value) or standard Parsons tables (straight legs). Distinguish by the curved chow-style foot.
Care & Maintenance
Avoid abrasive cleaners. Clean with a soft, slightly damp cloth. Avoid standing water as it can penetrate the lacquer and swell the grasscloth fibers.
Value Estimate
$600 - $1,200 USD depending on the manufacturer and the extent of edge wear. (Retail/Designer secondary market).
Sustainability Notes
The use of rapidly renewable grasscloth is a sustainable choice, though the resin/lacquer finishes are petroleum-based.