Elegant Black Lacquer Wine Table

This early 20th-century narrow corner leg table from China's Hebei province epitomizes minimalist Ming forms. A finely beaded edge runs along the underside and down each slender leg, ending in elegant ball-form feet. Uncommon in Chinese furniture design, the table's ball feet resemble pearls of wisdom, a motif in Chinese art symbolizing spiritual energy and enlightenment. An original black lacquer finish adds beautiful texture to the altar table, now heavily crazed and deeply patinated from a century of use.