Petite Bench with Everted Ends

This 19th-century elmwood bench has the clean restraint of classic Ming-dynasty minimalist forms, but the everted ends, cloud spandrels, and pierced sides set the design apart. The sides are perforated with large ruyi symbols, emblems of immortality and virtue. Assembled with concealed mortise-and-tenon joinery, the bench has a timeless design, enhanced by the beautifully worn patina.