A stunning example of organic artistry and wabi-sabi style, this 19th-century Chinese low table is crafted from the naturally contorted roots of rhododendrons. Designed for a scholar’s studio, the table is both functional and sculptural—an embodiment of Daoist reverence for nature’s irregular beauty. The top is composed of a meticulously joined puzzle of burled wood, its swirling grain patterns rich with visual depth. In contrast, the sides and legs are formed from twisted, gnarled root wood, their wild contours recalling mountain landscapes and abstract brushstrokes. The table’s surface glows with a deep, lustrous patina—warm, worn, and softened by over a century of handling and contemplation. Root furniture like this was prized by the literati for its spontaneity and symbolic connection to the natural world. Each angle reveals new surprises, making it as much a meditative object as a piece of furniture. A rare and evocative survivor of Qing dynasty scholars objects.

44 in. W x 28 in. D x 19 in. H