Charred Kitchen Stool

This humble stool from the mid-19th century balances simplicity of form with the inimitable beauty of a timeworn patina. The low stool is crafted of elm with traditional mortise-and-tenon joinery and features an overhung rectangular top with straight legs linked by simple stretchers.

The top is charred black from the heat of a metal vessel, suggesting the stool was once used in a kitchen or to elevate a brazier or hibachi filled with hot coals. Smooth to the touch, the unfinished wood is lightly darkened by a richly worn patina, further textured with knots, grooves and sporadic marks that hint at its previous use.

Deaccessioned from the MacLean Collection of Asian Art.