Featured Help w/ID Small Antique Asian(Chinese?) Art Table

China is a country with many cultures. Chinese Minorities often use imagery and symbols that are closely related to those of the Han Chinese, but their crafts look different, often more colourful.
Maybe this is a Chinese Minorities table. Not saying it definitely is, just that we should look at the possibility. If it is from one of the Chinese Minorities, it is Chinese, just not Han Chinese.

 

These examples are of a much more traditional Chinese design. I do believe the item is Chinese, based on the items in the middle. What throw me--and look especially modern--are the flowers in the corners and the curlicues. By the way, I, for one, did not take any offense from any comments.

 

That could be how some of the Chinese Minorities decorate such a table. Many of their items could be mistaken for Han Chinese, but in such cases there are small differences. What you mentioned could be such a difference.

Again, I'm not saying this is Chinese Minorities, but it would be interesting to explore.

 

this is something i found online, with reference to the table's design and construction. it does resemble a simple example of a Chinese design from the Ming period. i don't know that it's that old, but here's a more elaborate piece from Sothebys. note the legs and feet(referred to as "hoof feet") also the corner construction is similar. also, this is a side view of a much larger, longer table.

 

It is a design and construction that is still used today.

 

yes, and i have no idea how old it is, but the way this tray fits into the top ridged space, i have to assume the table was custom made for the purpose of holding this tray. which, at least suggests someone, at some point, valued this tray enough to have a table made for that purpose. possibly it was a family keepsake or heirloom. as i said here earlier, i contacted Brian Witherell here in Sacramento. he got back to me and recommended i contact Lark Mason, who is the guy on Antiques Roadshow that appraises all of the amazing Chinese antiques. my guess is, Witherell had no idea what it was either. unfortunately, there's no direct email to Lark Mason on his website, so i don't know if he saw it. i'm still waiting to hear back.

 

It was probably made as a set, those tray tables usually are.

 

one of the problems i've had with identifying the tray is the style of art just doesn't look like anything Chinese, at least not that i'm familiar with. i was talking with someone i know locally that is very knowledgeable and he mentioned ancient tomb art as a possibility. i went looking at ancient Chinese tomb art online and found examples that are stylistically similar. these are examples of Han Dynasty painted bricks found in a tomb. there are other examples to be found online. some have flourishes similar to the art in the corners of my tray. the calligraphic look was popular during this period. obviously, they're not the same, but there is a similarity in the general look of the art. these bricks are approximately 2000 years old.

 

what is written on the centre vase , in the red area ?

 

nothing. it appears to be some calligraphic design, however it could be Chinese characters too. i don't speak or read Chinese. it's difficult to completely make out because of wear to the surface in that area.

 

@Aquitaine ...could you please blow that area up...

 

Gladly will try, @komokwa!! THAT'S a very 'busy surface'!!! I tried to see if it would clean up, but then decided against it.....best to look at just what's there!!! It's enlarged, cropped, adjusted some contrast....on FIRST glance it DOES look like lettering - "SWWL", BUT then when you look at the design the arrow's pointing to.....makes me think it's just more of the same design........a MOST INTERESTING PIECE!!!!

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i was going to post, after my initial answer i went in and examined the surface closely. Aquitaine is correct, it's basically the same design as the one on the bowl to the right.