This northern Chinese Yu wood (northern elm) is handsomely carved with a longevity Shou design with two very large well executed bats for its auspicious "good luck" and "longevity" meaning. One sees the bats with pointed large heads with vivid expression. The stand/ bench is constructed off a Ming style design with a single-top board resting on four rounded splayed legs with stretchers in between the legs for support. The use of such very narrow low bench/stand is not known at the moment. It might have been used as a small altar stand on a table against the wall or used to park inside a sedan for extra table surface to place objects on. In good unfinished condition. 19th century.

Dimensions: 26" L x 4 7/8" D x 8 7/8" H

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