Chinese Tables

 

The Standard word for table is "An" and  the most common type  of altar table is the "Qiatou An" the raised end table.  Long and thin with upturned ends, the altar table, when placed in front of a shrine, might hold incense or an offering of fruit, flowers, or food - an attempt to encourage the goodwill of the ghost of ancestors when they visit the family home. The Altar table makes an important point about Chinese homes, because the table was not important for what it was so much as where it was.  The home played a critical role in Chinese society because it was the vessel that contained the family, the basic unit of survival and prosperity.

 

The Style of these fabulous tables - designed entirely to dispaly  beautiful objects - covers a wide range.  They might have horsehoof legs, or straight legs or solid vertical panels, recessed waist or straight waist or beaded and a floating panel for the tabletop or a single plank of wood.  The horseroof legs is commonly knowd as "Ming Style".