A Round-Post Chinese Square Tea Table

A handsome Chinese square tea table crafted from elmwood in Shanxi, China, c.1900. The table features substantial round-post legs joined by an open geometric stretcher, while the layered apron and inset paneled top give the compact form a strong architectural presence. Its beautifully preserved original patina reveals generations of use. Tea tables were an important part of traditional Chinese domestic life, used for serving tea and refreshments as well as for informal gatherings.