Rocco Antiques

Description

Stylish Chinese coffee table constructed during the early part of the 20th century. Made from solid teak wood with a black lacquered finish. The rectangular top is hand painted in gold coloured paint with floral scrolls and attractive flowers with their foliage surrounded by straight lines. A band of Greek key, also known as the meander pattern can be found around the edging. The top rests on a narrow waist, shaped aprons and four cabriole or dragon legs that are often associated with Chinese furniture. The golden flowers and foliage arrangements continue all around the lower parts of this elegant table.

Possibly the most striking feature of this coffee table are the three large decorative discs set into the top. No expense was spared with the decorative work of finely detailed flower and foliage, these most amazing colour arrangements could possibly only be achieved by using the ancient technique of cloisonne. An extremely labour extensive and expensive process.

Metalwork objects are decorated with a coloured material that is held in place by strips or wire, usually gold. The geometric cloisonne designs commonly seen are created by soldering these metal strips to make small compartments that are filled with materials such as cut gemstones or glass. In more recent centuries vitreous enamel has been used. The circular enamel panels on this piece were created by using thin brass strips that were soldered together to create the design. These small areas were filled with enamel paste and fired in a kiln to create a solid enamel disc with a slightly domed surface. These thin strips of 'gold' remain visible in the finished piece.

This highly skilled metal craft reached China in the 13th or 14th century. It was during the Ming Dynasty that some of China's most valuable and elaborate pieces with cloisonne decoration were made. So it is entirely fitting that the centre of the Chinese coffee table has not one but three cloisonne plaques.

Before purchasing please contact us to obtain a quote for home delivery by a trusted specialist courier. Alternatively you are welcome to collect your purchase from our premises in Ipswich, Suffolk.