HUANGHUALI INCENSE STAND

HUANGHUALI INCENSE STAND

This exceptional incense stand, originating from the mid-Qing Dynasty, exemplifies the refinement of late eighteenth to early nineteenth century Chinese furniture. Crafted from the prized Huanghuali wood, it seamlessly blends elegant contours and minimalist carving in a form popular among Chinese literati.

Origin: China
Date: Circa 1800 (Mid-Qing Dynasty)
Material: Huanghuali wood

Dimensions: Height: 85 cm (33.5 ins); Width: 45.5 cm (18 ins); Depth: 34.5 cm (13.5 ins)

Condition: Fine antique condition with a pleasing patina; minimal prior restoration

This antique Huanghuali incense stand represents the quiet sophistication of classical Chinese design, often associated with superior Ming and Qing dynasty craftsmanship. Exhibiting the distinctive warmth and varied grain of Huanghuali—one of China’s most revered hardwoods—the stand exemplifies an aesthetic prized by both scholars and connoisseurs. Comparable stands can be found in prestigious collections worldwide, including exhibits of Qing dynasty scholar’s furniture in leading museums. Its restrained ornamentation echoes the restrained elegance favoured by the Chinese literati, who regarded such furnishings as essential for cultivating a contemplative atmosphere during ash-burning rituals or “shaoxiang”.

Notable Features:

• Superb attention to detail: The single-panel top is set within a finely rendered rectangular frame, rising above narrow waisted aprons incised with stylised archaistic scrolls.
• Elegant architectural form: Square-section legs with indented edges create a poised silhouette, further enhanced by humpback stretchers and inward-curved hoof feet—elements that balance grace and strength.
• Understated artistry: Recessed aprons present delicate carved appliqués, demonstrating the artisan’s skill in ‘finished in the round’ joinery, with no surface left unattended.
• Rarity and collecting appeal: Genuine Huanghuali incense stands from this period are increasingly scarce, and their diminutive size makes them especially sought after by collectors of Chinese incense holders and scholar’s furniture.

The practical scale of this centre table-style incense stand ensures versatility—it serves as an elegant accessory for both period and contemporary interiors, acting as a focal point for incense display or as an evocative collector’s item. For those seeking to enrich a collection of historic incense holders or Chinese decorative arts, this piece offers both cultural significance and timeless appeal.