Pair of Stacked Stretcher Fang Dengs

These square stools from Shanxi province date to the mid-19th century and are elegantly crafted in the classical Chinese style of simple lines and balanced proportions. This form of square stool, or fang deng, was a versatile seating option and was pulled up for use at mealtimes or used outdoors in a courtyard or garden. The pair is expertly crafted of northern elm (yumu) with mortise-and-tenon joinery and a dark lacquer finish. The straight legs gain their unique shape from individually rounded and conjoined spars, banded together with an elegant, solid stretcher that recalls original Ming forms.