A hongmu marble-inset table and side chairs


Republic PeriodThe well-figured marble top set into a mitered, mortise-and tenon frame above an ice-plate edge and beaded waist set off by a coin and ruyi-headed pierced apron and cut-out dragon spandrels joined to hipped, beaded legs with leaf-shaped feet; the side chairs composed of a sturdy back panel fitted with cut-out bats surrounding a circular roundel fitted with marble inlay, joined to side brackets of marble discs supported by elegant cloud panels framing soft caned seats and hipped supports. 33 1/8 x 32 1/4 x 32 1/4in (84 x 82 x 82cm) the table40in (101.5cm) height of chairs
|The marble panel inset to the table top has a variegated charcoal colored vein running across the top that can be viewed as a landscape. The area above the charcoal vein is inscribed with the title Hu Shang Gu Shan (Lone Mountain along a Lake), above the signature Qing daoren ti (inscribed by the Qing Daoist) and seal Li. The sobriquet Qing daoren was used by Li Ruiqing (1867–1920), also known by the style name Meian. He was an influential figure in China's modern history, the founder of China's modern art education, an artist and calligrapher. As president of Liang Jiang Higher Normal School (Nanjing University), he reformed scholastic instruction there, and established the Faculty of Drawing & Handcraft. He also introduced art education in Chinese modern institutions of higher learning. Li Ruiqing is also the originator of Jinshi Calligraphy School (Jin Shi Shu Pai).