Painting table, normally rectangular in shape, large-sized and with a comfortable height, was designed for the artist or scholar to stand by doing his work. Unlike other furniture, a painting table could be designed by artist or scholar himself, or at least, it must reflect his aesthetic taste. This table shows a gentle transition from Ming style to Qing style. Although of somewhat unusual form, it has a standard corner-leg construction. The high waists have long, beaded openings. Below, the apron was carved in relief with very simple but impressive "scroll grass" motif, and inner-sided beading that continues to the ends of the legs. Each leg is shaped a short C-curved leg ending in a scroll and rests upon a regular straight leg - this comes from a single piece of wood. The front side of footrest bends a little downward, showing a previous weight bearing. Early to middle Qing Dynasty, middle 18th - early 19th century, Anhui province.
*This table is made of one of most rare and expensive hardwoods, jichimu, chicken-wing wood. The old type of this wood has a purplish-brown color and its grain displays a striking pattern like the wing of a bird. It was often selected for use by the imperial family during Ming and Qing dynasties.