Black Lacquer on Cypress Wood

About

Black Lacquer on Cypress Wood

A refined Chinese calligraphy table crafted from cypress wood and finished in original black lacquer, characterised by its elegant, understated silhouette and classic scholar’s studio proportions. The table features four traditional ruyi-shaped support brackets beneath the top — three original and one replaced through historical repair, indicating long use and care over generations.

Cypress was a favoured wood for scholar furniture due to its stability, fine grain, and resistance to warping, making this table especially suitable for writing, painting, and calligraphy. The lacquer surface shows beautifully worn layers and natural fading, contributing to its authentic scholar’s patina.

With its slender legs, recessed apron, and balanced geometry, the piece embodies the literati values of restraint, simplicity, and function.