TWO CHINESE STYLE GILTWOOD OCCASIONAL TABLES PROBABLY FRENCH

TWO CHINESE STYLE GILTWOOD OCCASIONAL TABLES

PROBABLY FRENCH, 19TH CENTURY

each with a circular top with a moulded edge inset with a Chinese cloisonee panel, one depicting scholar's objects with vases of flowers, incense burners and a brushpot with a stand, the other with a lion dog accompanied by a pair of magpies, above a Chinese style base with a pierced frieze carved with dragons, on scroll legs united by an 'X' stretcher with a pagoda finial (2)

PROVENANCE

Lionel de Rothschild (1882-1942)

Edmund de Rothschild (1916 - 2009)

The Trustees of Exbury House

CATALOGUE NOTE

The subject matter of these Chinese cloisonne tables offers a subtle hidden meaning. The peach, pomegranate and finger citron that feature on the scholar's panel form the auspicious 'asn duo' or the 'Three Abundances' invoking the wish for good fortune, longevity and an abundance of descendants. The magpies that feature in the other panel are always auspicious symbols, the birds of good fortune and love. The first character for the name of the bird, xi que, has the same sound as xi, which means 'happiness'.