Chinese 3 piece Hong Mu (rosewood), likely early 20th century (restored), desk. Having 6 drawers and 2 cupboards. Plus removeable 'cracked ice', pattern footrest. With certificate. 71 x 144 cm
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- Chinese Cracked Ice Motif - The Chinese cracked ice decorative motif is a traditional design that was commonly used in Chinese art and architecture, particularly in the Ming and Qing dynasties (1368-1912). The motif is characterized by a pattern of small, irregular cracks or fissures that resemble broken ice.
The cracked ice motif was often used in a variety of decorative arts, such as pottery, porcelain, lacquerware, and furniture. It was also used in architectural elements, such as floor tiles, roof tiles, and wall panels. The motif was typically created by carving or incising the surface of the material, and then filling the cracks with a contrasting color, such as black or gold.
The cracked ice motif symbolizes the idea of "coolness" in Chinese culture, and was often used in architectural elements to create a sense of coolness and shade, especially in hot climates. In decorative arts, it is considered as an elegant and refined design that evokes the natural beauty of ice.
- Rosewood - A dense timber that varies in shade to very light brown to almost black. When rosewood is cut and sanded the colour of the timber will turn black, and after polishing and exposure to daylight, the surface will gradually lighten over time to light brown with black streaks.
The name comes from the odour emanating from the timber when it is planed, sanded or cut.
Rosewood was very popular for use in Victorian furniture in the second half of the 19th century, and at that time most of the rosewood was imported from Brazil. However it also grows in India and Indonesia.
It is used in the sold for chairs and table legs, but for carcase furniture such as side cabinets and bookcases, and for table tops it is always used as a veneer.
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