- Title
- Table with Geometric Dragon Designs
- Date Made
- 17th-18th century
- Medium
- Wood with traces of mineral pigments; partially varnished
- Dimensions
- a) Lid: 1 1/2 x 23 x 8 3/4 in. (3.81 x 58.42 x 22.23 cm); b) Front: 8 1/4 x 19 1/2 x 1 in. (20.96 x 49.53 x 2.54 cm); c) Left side panel: 8 1/2 x 7 1/4 x 1 1/8 in. (21.59 x 18.42 x 2.86 cm); d) Right side panel: 8 1/2 x 6 3/4 x 1 1/8 in. (21.59 x 17.12 x 2.86 cm); Overall: 9 3/8 x 23 x 8 3/4 in. (23.81 x 58.42 x 22.23 cm)
- Accession Number
- M.2005.94.2a-d
- Collecting Area
- South and Southeast Asian Art
- Curatorial Notes
Low tables, appropriate for use when one is sitting on piled rugs or a low platform, are used in Tibet primarily for supporting bowls of tea and food. In Buddhist monasteries they are also used for holding sacred texts and ritual instruments. The front and sides of low tables are typically hinged so that they could fold flat and thus be easier to transport by the traditional nomadic laity. However, the construction of this table differs in that its components are detachable and must be fitted into slots when it is assembled for use.
The front and sides panels are carved with geometric designs of abstract and stylized interlocking dragons. The panels are bordered by birds and floral designs assimilated from dragon motifs of the Qing Dynasty in China (1644-1912).
- Selected Bibliography
- Kamansky, David, ed. Wooden Wonders: Tibetan Furniture in Secular and Religious Life. Chicago: Serindia Publications, Inc., 2004.