A one drawer coffer.

This type of Chinese table is referred to as the “Chu“. It normally has a hidden compartment under the drawer and provide lots of storage space but this “Chu“does not have a hidden compartment under the drawer. The piece is strongly built and very subtly decorated.

The table top consists of pudding stone inserted to a mitred frame. The edges of the frame are finely moulded. There is a hanging spandrel attached to the outer side of each leg. The legs are square and undercoated. There is an apron on the front below the drawer. A flower shaped metal plate with a ring pull is centrally positioned to allow easy opening of the drawer.

Traces of the origin lacquer finishes are still visible giving lots of charms to the piece.