Brochure - Tables and Desks
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The early periods of Chinese history were characterised by most activities taking place at floor level on mats. What furniture existed was was therefore low level, and low chests and boxes doubled as tables. Over the centuries the chair became more popular, and by the Song dynasty (960AD to 1279AD) the transition to chair living was virtually complete. The move from mat to chair meant that tables became higher, and closely resembled the tables and desks we see today. Over the years a number of distinct style of tables have evolved for different purposes.
The grandly named 'Eight Immortals table' is the Chinese equivalent of the Western dining table. These tables are square in shape, and tall enough to allow tall people to comfortably sit with their legs under the table. The square shape is preferred in China, so that everyone is equally close to the food which is placed in the centre for everyone to share.
Tables were mainly used for eating, but were also frequently used for playing games and for serving wine and tea. Although referred to as Eight Immortal tables, only the largest are large enough for eight diners, but they can all accommodate four people in comfort.
In cold northern China life is traditionally centred around the kang, a low brick platform that is heated by a flue system. The kang serves as a bed at night, and by day the rugs and blankets are placed on top and the kang becomes the main seating area. Small low tables, known as kang tables, are placed on the kang for eating, playing games, painting or writing. Rarely higher than 12 inches and usually rectangular, kang tables serve as excellent coffee tables.
Long tables with upturned ends, also known as Altar Tables, are popular in traditional Chinese houses. These tables would often form the focal point in formal reception rooms. In Confucian families homes these tables would be used as an altar to display the ancestral tablet, and incense burners would be used to offer sacrifices to the ancestors. Many of these tables still bear the marks from the incense burners. In other homes these tables would be used to display prized possessions or works of art, and are often used as writing tables, musical instrument tables or side tables. Their long and narrow shape makes these tables ideal for use as side tables or sideboards, or for use in narrow spaces such as hallways.
Other types of tables include tall square or rectangular tables that are traditionally used as tea stand tables or wine tables and, more recently, writing desks with drawers.