Ming Dynasty Huanghuali Wood Painting Table With Openwork Ornamental Side Panels Carved With The Lingzhi Fungus Motif

A library or painting table with a similar design of openwork carving in the lingzhi fungus relief motif can be seen in The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, Kansas City.
A superb description of this Painting Table can be found on pages 155 to 158 of Dr. Sarah Handler's Ming Furniture In The Light of Chinese Architecture: "Painting tables, or hua'an, like many side tables, sometimes have side panels with openwork carving. However, they are wider to accommodate large pieces of silk or paper. In traditional Chinese society, all educated men and women had some proficiency in the arts of painting and calligraphy. Ink was brushed onto silk or paper laid flat upon a table and since the brush was held in a more or less upright position and moved by an unsupported arm, it was often advantageous to stand and move about. Thus, the ideal work surface was a large, flat table unencumbered by drawers.