19th Century Anglo Chinese Picnic Table

19th Century Anglo Chinese Picnic Table. This interesting table, constructed in Chinese hardwood, is of a form known as a picnic table. It separates into three sections which are joined together with the carved boss in the centre of the platform stretcher section and acts as a rivet when fully assembled. The three sections are the top, the supporting column and the base. The top has an inset marble central section. The design of the table is traditionally Chinese, the flowing form of the base probably inspired by the Lingzhi fungus, representing immortality in the Taoist tradition and frequently used as a decoration on Chinese objects. All of the wooden surfaces have reeded decoration and have acquired a good colour and patina.