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Originally Posted by SHAD0W
What makes you say that it is Chinese?
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The color scheme. The design of the scene. The figures in traditional Chinese dress. The design of the table itself (feet, shape). The fact that it is a high table to begin with.
There isn`t much that doesn`t scream Chinese about it, to be quite honest.
To hit the other questions though;
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I was wondering if anyone can help me identify the scene that has been carved into the tabletop (covered with glass) and the markings around the edges?
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It`s a pretty common, almost stereotypical scene (poorly carved at that) that appears in Chinese art.
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I can see a woman with tea and another playing the koto, not sure what else is in the background though?
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Tea in a very Chinese pot.
I would guess it`s not a koto, but the Chinese equivalent. The koto is depicted as being much closer to the ground.
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I'm sure I recognise the face on the legs. Is it a god? Or is it the dog that's always atop the statues?
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I can`t say for sure, but it looks like a dragon face or Chinese style qilin.
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I don't know what colour it's supposed to be but somebody has badly repainted it with the colour you can see and they have accidently gone over the gold painted detail in lots of places.
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It looks more like the gold detail has worn off. I would guess that the gold on red is the original color scheme.
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What colour would furniture of this type have been traditionally in Japan?
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In China, gold on red sounds about right. There isn`t really anything comparable to this in Japan. If I were to going to repaint it though, a dark lacquer only would look best. My opinion only, of course.
It makes me think of a very cheap mass produced "Chinese-ish" accent table from some inexpensive "ethnic" furniture place. The red and gold painting is more than likely the original, as the quality of the carving is so poor.
If you like it though, what does it matter?
