A pair of Chinese antique Hongmu wood and marble pedestals

This pair of early 20^th-Century stands is made from Chinese hardwood (referred to as ‘Hongmu’). Each of the pair features an octagonal top inset with a piece of veined octagonal pink marble. The octagonal scheme is carried through into the pierced wooden frieze below the top, which is carved with foliate motifs. Below the frieze, a conforming apron, carved with similarly styled foliate patterns, leads to four richly carved cabriole legs, which stand on four stylised and flared dragon feet. Upper and lower stretchers link the legs, the lower connected by a central ovoid form carved with foliate motifs.