Elegant Waterfall Altar Table

With no stretchers or spandrels, this gorgeous altar table flows like a ribbon, rounding the bend to form straight, waterfall sides that end in scrolled feet. Dated to the mid-19th century, the console is expertly crafted of northern elm (yumu) with traditional mortise-and-tenon joinery, devoid of any carvings, aprons or spandrels to complicate the minimalist form. Dovetail joinery adds intrigue to the corners and antique repairs hint at the table's long and storied life. With its streamlined simplicity, the table recalls the elegance and austerity of Ming-dynasty furniture design.