Round Stretcher Fang Deng

This mid 19th century fang deng (square stool) was made in Hebei Province, and crafted of elm foraged from the forests of northern China. The stretchers encircling the outer edges of the rounded legs highlight the masterful carpentry employed to create this very pure and simple form in the most elegant Ming fashion. This detail gives the design a natural flow and references bent bamboo. Chinese carpenters during the Qing dynasty held simplicity and craftsmanship in equal regard. In this spirit they emulated the simpler forms of bamboo furniture making that were popular in earlier times to express widely respected notions of humility.