Black & Gold Lacquer Pagoda Style Coffee Table

Details: Luxuriate in the Eastern elegance of this lavish coffee table and storage cabinet handcrafted and finished in sleek black and gold lacquer. The resplendent doors of this lavishly detailed piece are adorned with an exotic faux-watercolor scene of songbirds cavorting among the branches of a flowering tree peony. The top surface and side panels feature complementary floral designs, with each painting set against a shimmering gold undercoat. The golden background is created through color-plating using the "jin gui pai" or "golden turtle armor" method, a traditional technique dating back to the Tang Dynasty (618-907 A.D.). "Tong fen," or bronze powder, is added to the paint to provide extra gleam and the surface is then lacquered in place, creating a lustrous finish. The upturned edges of the top surface represent the curved roofs of traditional Buddhist temples, while the peonies symbolize beauty and affection. The Imperial-style antiqued brass latch and decorative hinges allow easy opening of the doors while adding to the Eastern grandeur of the design. Inside, a commodious storage compartment provides ample space for keeping your treasures well-organized. This piece makes an elegant coffee table or center piece, and is sure to add an Oriental accent to any decor.