Peacock Green High Lacquer 2 Drawer Console With Ends Up

The Tiao An (条案): A Symbol of Culture and Refinement

The Tiao An, often translated as “Long Narrow Table” or “Altar Table,” is one of the most iconic and culturally significant forms in traditional Chinese furniture. Its history is deeply intertwined with Chinese social customs, architecture, and aesthetics.

• Roots in Ritual (Pre-Ming Dynasties): The conceptual origins of the Tiao An can be traced back to ancient China, where elevated platforms and tables were used in ancestral temples and important halls for holding ritual vessels, sacred objects, and offerings. This established its foundational role as a piece of furniture denoting respect and ceremony.

• Flourishing in the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644): The Tiao An truly came into its own during the Ming Dynasty. This era is considered the “golden age” of Chinese furniture, characterised by a pursuit of elegance, refined simplicity, and superb craftsmanship. The minimalist and harmonious design principles of Ming-style furniture perfectly suited the Tiao An‘s form. It became a standard and essential fixture in the homes of the scholar-official and elite classes.

• Continuation into the Qing Dynasty (1644-1912): While the basic form persisted, the Qing Dynasty saw some evolution in style. Qing-era Tiao An often became more ornate, with heavier proportions, more elaborate carvings, and the use of intricate inlay work, reflecting the dynasty’s preference for grandeur and display.

The Tiao An is defined by several key features:

• Elongated Proportions: Its most striking feature is its long, narrow silhouette. The width was typically only about one-tenth to one-eighth of its length, creating a horizontal line that anchored a wall space.

• Recessed Legs: The legs are not located at the very ends of the tabletop but are set inward, connected by a stretcher or apron. This creates an overhang at both ends.

• Tabletop Styles: There are two main styles based on the ends of the tabletop:

  • Tou An (头案): “Head-Projecting Table.” The most common type, where the solid-wood ends of the top itself curl upwards in a graceful “cloud-head” or “horseshoe” shape.

  • Xiao An (翘案): “Lifting Table.” A rarer form where the upward-curling ends are separate pieces attached to a rectangular top.

• Materials and Craftsmanship: They were typically made from precious hardwoods like Huanghuali (黄花梨), Zitan (紫檀), and Jichi (鸡翅木). The joinery was accomplished without nails or glue, using complex mortise-and-tenon techniques, showcasing the pinnacle of Chinese woodworking.