Pair of antique Chinese lacquered low tables with porcelain warming plates

Pair of antique Chinese lacquered low tables with porcelain warming plates
Chinese, 18th and 19th Century
Height 30cm, width 51cm, depth 51cm
 
This pair of lacquered low tables fitted with porcelain warming plates showcases high quality Chinese craftsmanship of the 18th and 19th centuries.
 
The lacquered low tables are adorned with a selection of gilded sinuous lines as well as brass mounts. The positioning of the brass mounts leads the observer’s attention toward the porcelain warming plates placed in the middle of the tables.
 
The 18th century porcelain warming plates (also called hot water plates) include two holes through which water can enter and exit the dish. Nature-inspired designs adorn the white porcelain, and their polychrome colouration beautifully stands out against the lacquered surface around it. Traditionally warming plates were used to aid in the retention of heat of the food placed on top of them.
 
The pair comes from the collection of the Duke & Duchess of Windsor and were formerly owned by Susie Hilfiger.