A Mongolian Burrwood Stand 19th Century

A characterful 19th-century Mongolian burrwood stand, of low rectangular form, the thick top with moulded edges displaying the richly figured and irregular grain characteristic of burrwood, above a shaped apron and raised on four short, boldly curved cabriole legs.

The restrained construction and strong sculptural profile are characteristic of traditional Mongolian furniture, in which naturally figured timbers were particularly prized for their distinctive grain and surface. The stand has acquired an attractive, deeply patinated surface through age and use, with areas of wear revealing the warm tones of the wood beneath.

Low stands of this type served a variety of domestic purposes and could be used to support precious objects, vessels or devotional pieces. Its compact proportions make the present example particularly suitable as a display stand for a sculpture or objet d’art.

Provenance:

Seward Kennedy’s Cabinet of Curiosities, Christie’s, South Kensington, 22 November 2016, lot 137, part.

H 15  x  W 34  x  D 22cm