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 Tables & Desks
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A bit of history
Ancient Chinese tables
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The « Kang » tables
In northern China during the Ming dynasty a platform (kang) was built, at seating level, along the walls as the flooring made of brick wood and clay was heated. The kang therefore had its own furniture of a smaller size.
The kang tables are low and rectangular; they were set on either side of the bedding.
The « wine table », half-table, and « moon table »
The Song dynasty from the north used the « wine table » during receptions. The often raised end of the table top served to stop the flow of liquids.
The half table was used to extend a square dining-table.
The « moon table » was bought out onto the terrace during the warm summer nights. Most often rectangular this type of table is high and not too long.
Square Tables
They are generally dining-tables, the largest are called « Eight Immortals », the medium-sized « Six Immortals » or the smaller version « Four Immortals ». Half-tables were used to extend them during a feast.
Altar tables
These are rectangular, narrow and often quite long (sometimes over 10 feet long). They are used for the domestic cult of ancestors, as well as in the Temples.
The table top is either flat or with raised flange at the end.
Tables used for painting or calligraphy
These are longer and broader than half tables. Used for painting or calligraphy on scrolls, they were also used to display books.
The longer version often included drawers in which were keep the painting material.
The table legs are either set at an angle or in-set, and the apron more or less ornate, the stretchers are either straight or « humpbacked » and the spandrels carved.
The table top is generally made of wood or some time of marble.
During the 19th century desks made of three elements became fashionable.
For example the « doctor´s desk » made up of a large table top supported by two sets of drawers and a very beautiful « broken glass » style foot rest.
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