Chinese Adjustable Scholars' Table

This petite 19th-century console table crafted in China's Shanxi province is the perfect example of Qing-dynasty ideals of scholarship and craftsmanship. Though its clean lines and rich lacquer finish may be beautiful, it was the versatility of this convertible table that made it such a valuable furniture piece for scholars. In one form, it stands as a side table, the perfect surface for a small collection of prized scholarly objects. Upon folding the tall legs inward, the table becomes a portable low kang table, ideal for a scholar's forays into nature. The ease of conversion allowed its owner to seamlessly transition between active scholarship in the home and contemplative scholarship in the woods.