Pair of Plum Blossom Benches

This pair of 19th-century square corner benches blend the clean lines of Ming-dynasty design with a Qing-dynasty flair for the decorative. Each bench is constructed using traditional joinery with a floating panel top and straight square legs ending in scroll-form feet. Decorative oblong cutouts form the aprons, trimmed with a finely beaded edge. The spandrels are carved with archaistic dragons on the sides and delicate plum blossoms on the fronts, symbols of winter and longevity. Recently refinished to a dark brown, we love these benches as everyday seating in modern interiors.