Puddingstone Top Game Table

This 19th-century square table is inlaid with a solid slab of puddingstone, a conglomerate stone long appreciated for its beautifully irregular patterning. The inlay is a particularly attractive example of puddingstone, darkened with rich brown color and studded with flat, elongated stones that resemble bamboo leaves. The square table has a waisted, corner leg design with smooth lines and a simple silhouette. The wood frame is darkened by a brown lacquer finish that has aged beautifully over the years with mottled texture and a smooth patina. Found at the center of social activity, Chinese square tables were used on a daily basis for eating meals, serving tea, or playing games. Due to the durability of stone, inlaid tables such as this were also used as surfaces for burning incense or pouring wine.

Deaccessioned from the MacLean Collection of Asian Art.

Some restoration to stabilize hairline cracks to stone inlay top.