Opera podium table with three drawers

The curtain parts as the lights go down and the theater comes alive. A lone actor appears onstage delivering a sing song soliloquy. One hand performs well rehearsed gestures. The other rests on the only visible prop, a table center stage. When talking about climbing, the actor uses the table to illustrate a mountain. When discussing the mountain top the table is described as a cloud; and as a tree at the mountain’s base. Welcome to the Chinese Opera – the only place on earth where a single prop can become a mountain, cloud, tree, or just about anything else the mind can conjure!

A foo dog and dragonfly steal the spotlight on the front of this antique table

This week’s New Arrival features an antique Chinese Opera podium table. Off stage, it is easy to imagine its use as an altar, console table, desk, or even a kitchen island, especially here in the west. On stage, it could have represented just about anything an author, actor or audience wished it to be. Yet, it is more than just a prop. The motifs on its face symbolize protection, prosperity, happiness and harmony. Its well worn patina suggests its appearance at countless performances. Examine it closely and you can almost hear the applause. They are well deserved whether off stage or on.

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