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Qing Dynasty Zitan and Antler Scholar's Table Set

清代紫檀鹿角文人书案套装

By: Unknown maker (likely an imperial or noble workshop)

Style: Qing Dynasty Imperial Furniture / Scholar's Studio

Origin: China

Materials: Zitan hardwood, deer antler

Age: Late Qing Dynasty, circa late 19th to early 20th century

Condition: Excellent (no obvious wear or damage visible, surfaces appear clean and well-preserved)

Value: $30,000–$60,000 (if authentic, at auction)

Maker's Marks / Writing: Inscription: '恭端春供頂端榮寶堂之物, 畫龍雕鳳, 又十七年己巳秋九月, 惠存' (roughly translates: 'Respectfully at the spring, this item for Rongbao Hall, with dragons and phoenixes carved, in the autumn of the seventeenth year, ji si, ninth month, for preservation') — possible reference to a location or workshop, but can be added by later craftsmen.

Date: 2025-07-25 02:20:19.992990

Description:

This is an exceptionally elaborate Chinese scholar's table (书案 shū àn) set from the Qing Dynasty, crafted from zitan hardwood and genuine deer antlers. The main desk combines beautifully figured zitan planks, intricate cloud-pattern openwork carving, and dramatic, natural antler supports. The top is surmounted by a carved dragon motif crest, and the rear panel features an inscription in Chinese characters. Such tables, blending precious woods and luxurious animal elements, were favored at imperial hunting retreats and among the elite in the late Qing period. The accompanying footstall is made in matching zitan. This set demonstrates a remarkable fusion of craftsmanship and imperial opulence.     这是一套极为精美的清代文人书案套装，由紫檀木和真品鹿角制成。主体书案以色泽华美、纹理清晰的紫檀木板为主，搭配精致的祥云透雕工艺，以及结构大胆的天然鹿角支撑。顶端饰有精雕盘龙纹，后背板刻有中文铭文。此类结合珍贵木材与豪华动物材料的案几，在晚清时期深受皇室猎苑及贵族阶层喜爱。附带的踏板亦为紫檀木材，与主案呼应。全套展现了非凡工艺与帝王气派的完美融合。

Curator Questions

Curated by Jade

Assessment:

An unusually ornate example of Qing imperial or high noble studio furniture, this piece stands out due to its rare use of zitan wood in conjunction with natural antlers, and demonstrates both high-quality craftsmanship and materials associated with the imperial court. The carved inscription, dragon cresting, and cloud motifs further point to high-status commission, though the presence of deer antlers—a favored motif at the Qing imperial hunting grounds—may also suggest use at a princely residence or hunting lodge. However, given the prevalence of modern reproductions of ‘imperial’ antler furniture made for contemporary collectors, a strict authenticity assessment is required.     作为清代皇室或高级贵族书房家具的极为华丽范例，本品因罕见地结合了珍贵紫檀与鹿角材质而尤为突出。雕刻铭文、龙头浮雕及祥云纹饰更显示出高规格定制或皇家用具的身份。鹿角装饰在清代皇室狩猎苑极受推崇，亦可能为王府或猎苑所用。但考虑到现代复刻“帝王鹿角家具”盛行，需严格甄别真伪。

Individual Images:

• The second image provides a close-up of the carved inscription on the rear panel
• surrounded by cloud-pattern openwork. The inscription is well-executed but shows no obvious age cracks or softened wear in the grooves
• potentially indicating recent carving. The zitan’s grain is rich and color deep
• matching high-value zitan furniture. The antlers appear genuine and are well-integrated
• but lack patina or grime that would be expected in an antique. The dragon carving and joinery all appear crisp
• with no visible repairs or losses. No maker's mark is visible.

Provenance:

No provenance documentation visible in images.

Condition:

Excellent (no obvious wear or damage visible, surfaces appear clean and well-preserved)

Identification Score: 95%

The object’s defining materials (zitan and antler), structural features, intricate carving, and overall design closely match documented late Qing dynasty imperial pieces and princely scholar's furniture. The large antlers and dragon motif are typical for late Qing imperial hunting lodge furnishings, confirming identification.     本案采用紫檀及鹿角，结构特征、雕刻工艺和整体造型均高度贴合晚清皇室或王府文房案具的历史实物。大鹿角和龙纹均为清末皇家狩猎苑家具典型元素，基本可确认其类别。

Authenticity Score: 40%

A word about fakes... Deer antler furniture attributed to the Qing court is a frequently reproduced category, and high-quality fakes with artificially aged wood and antlers are common. Though the carving and wood grain appear highly refined in the images and the inscription is elaborate, there is little visible wear or patina on the wood or antler surfaces—unusual for a 100+ year-old piece, especially a working scholar's table. The inscription, while plausible, could have been added by modern craftsmen. Without hands-on inspection of joinery, patina, and tool marks, and considering the vibrant collector market fueling fakes, authenticity must be approached with considerable skepticism.     关于赝品的说明……鹿角案具类清宫家具为最常见复刻品种之一，不乏以紫檀与鹿角为材、经过人工做旧的高仿品。图片中木材和雕刻虽工精细，铭文亦繁复，但其表面几乎无百余年历史品应有磨损和包浆，这对真实经历使用的文人案案而言极不寻常。铭文亦可由现代工匠为之。缺乏对榫卯、包浆及刀痕的实物验证，加之此类高价品市场需求带动仿品泛滥，故真伪需持高度谨慎态度。

Image Memory Note

The primary image shows a large, ornately carved Chinese table set constructed from dark, dense zitan wood (or comparable hardwood) with natural deer antler supports, and a matching zitan footrest. The rear of the main table is surmounted by a crest with a dragon carving, and a vertical back panel is inscribed in Chinese with several lines of text, surrounded by detailed cloud motifs. The antlers, four per side, are carefully selected for symmetrical effect and visibly integrated into the joinery. Surfaces of both wood and antler show highly polished, unworn finish. Additional detail image zooms in on the inscription and cloud carving. No cracks, chips, surface stains, or evidence of restoration are visible. No visible export or collector marks appear on any surfaces. The inscription references a 'Rongbao Hall,' a date, and a wish for preservation.     主图展示一大型中式华丽雕刻案具，由深色密实紫檀木（或近似硬木）与天然鹿角支撑组成，下附紫檀脚踏。主案后檐雕龙头，背板竖刻铭文多行，周饰祥云纹。鹿角左右各四根，选材对称，结构紧密。木材及鹿角表面光洁，无磨损痕迹。局部特写聚焦铭文及祥云雕刻，雕工精美。整体未见开裂、缺失、污渍或修复痕。任一表面未见出口章或收藏印。铭文涉及“荣宝堂”、年代及敬存祝辞。

Keywords

Qing dynasty, zitan furniture, antler, scholar’s table, imperial Chinese furniture, carved inscription, dragon crest, China     清代，紫檀家具，鹿角，文人书案，宫廷家具，雕刻铭文，龙头装饰，中国

Report ID:  : kztcp5

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