Chinese Figural Bird and Flower Carved Jardinière Stand (Flower Stand)
Table (Pedestal / Plant Stand) · Qing Dynasty Style (late 19th to mid-20th century). It features classic Ming-inspired cabriole legs with Qing-era ornate pierced carvings. · Unknown artisan; likely produced in a workshop in Southern China (Guangdong/Canton region) specializing in rosewood export furniture.
Type
Table (Pedestal / Plant Stand)
Style Period
Qing Dynasty Style (late 19th to mid-20th century). It features classic Ming-inspired cabriole legs with Qing-era ornate pierced carvings.
Material
Primary wood appears to be Hongmu (Blackwood) or a similar tropical hardwood like rosewood or padauk; inset circular pink/gray marble top; secondary frame wood.
Age Estimate
Circa 1920–1960. The crispness of the carving and the specific hue of the marble suggest a mid-20th-century revival of 19th-century styles.
Dimensions
Height: 32-36 inches; Width: 12-14 inches (top); Depth: 12-14 inches. The scale is typical for tall display pedestals meant for vases or bonsai.
Origin
China; likely produced for the domestic market or as an export piece during the late Republic period or mid-20th century.
Designer/Maker
Unknown artisan; likely produced in a workshop in Southern China (Guangdong/Canton region) specializing in rosewood export furniture.
Value Estimate
$250 - $600 USD depending on the specific wood species and auction vs. retail context. The marble inset and quality of carving are the primary value drivers.
Description
An elegant and slender octagonal jardiniere stand, this piece exemplifies Chinese craftsmanship. It features a lushly carved apron with pierced floral motifs, supported by four slender cabriole legs joined by a cross-stretcher. The top is crowned with a variegated marble inset, providing a cool, stable surface for displaying fine ceramics.
Key Features
Octagonal top with beaded edge; inset marble medallion; pierced floral apron; high-sweep cabriole legs; stabilizing X-frame cross-stretcher.
Color & Finish
Deep reddish-brown to dark chocolate stain characteristic of rosewood; high-gloss lacquer or hand-rubbed wax finish providing a semi-reflective sheen.
Construction Method
Hand-carved components joined with traditional Chinese cabinetry techniques. The apron features intricate openwork (pierced) carving, and the legs are shaped into a pronounced 'S' cabriole curve.
Joinery & Craftsmanship
Mortise and tenon joinery; the apron is likely attached to the legs using floating panels or concealed pegs. High-quality hand-carving is evident in the floral motifs.
Wood Grain & Species
Dense, fine-grained tropical hardwood, likely of the Dalbergia or Pterocarpus genus (Rosewood family), known for its heavy weight and dark internal hues.
Surface Treatment
Intricate pierced carving of plum blossoms (Meihua) and foliate scrolls; beaded (pearl) molding around the octagonal tabletop edge; finished with dark stain and topcoat.
Upholstery Details
None; hard surface construction with marble and wood.
Hardware & Fittings
None; structural integrity relies entirely on wood joinery and the friction-fit marble inset.
Origin & Provenance
China; likely produced for the domestic market or as an export piece during the late Republic period or mid-20th century.
Condition Notes
Good condition. There is a visible hairline separation in the wood frame surrounding the marble top, likely due to wood shrinkage over time. Finish shows minor surface wear consistent with age.
Interesting Facts
In Chinese culture, these stands were often used to display 'scholar’s stones' or seasonal flowers. The plum blossom carving represents resilience and perseverance as it blooms in the winter.
Cultural Significance
Represents the 'Zitan' and 'Hongmu' tradition of Chinese furniture, which influenced Western Queen Anne and Chippendale styles through the 18th-century Chinoiserie movement.
Similar Pieces
Often confused with Japanese Meiji-period stands (which tend to use darker, almost black finishes) or Victorian English Chinoiserie reproductions (which often use mahogany or fruitwood rather than heavy tropical hardwoods).
Care & Maintenance
Keep away from direct heat sources to prevent further wood shrinkage/cracking. Clean with a dry microfiber cloth; polish sparingly with a high-quality beeswax. Dust the intricate carvings with a soft natural-bristle brush.
Value Estimate
$250 - $600 USD depending on the specific wood species and auction vs. retail context. The marble inset and quality of carving are the primary value drivers.
Sustainability Notes
Traditional rosewoods are now CITES-protected species; antique and vintage pieces like this represent a sustainable way to own these rare woods without contributing to current deforestation.