Wanli Console

The Ming furniture tradition actually reached its zenith even as its broader influence had begun to fade. The Wanli, in the 17th century, was something of a high point-with the spare lines, dark woods, and the few but striking curves that we admire in Chinese furniture. For the first time, expanding trade brought tropical woods. This Console-with its elegant waisted detail honoring the top, square carpenter's legs, and giant's arm braces-speaks to to enduring relevance of that design. The Wanli reminds us that a Console doesn't have to be decorated in every conceivable way to make a statement. The simple ethnic dignity of the form is what matters. This is a place to display an antique weather vane, an old urn, or just your shoes and handbag! A collection of jade would be ideal.