Gold Painted Lacquer Guqin Table
The gold painted lacquer guqin table, dating back to the reign of Emperor Wanli of the Ming Dynasty, measures 97 centimeters in length, 45 centimeters in width, and 70 centimeters in height. The rectangular table is entirely painted with red lacquer, with kaiguang (a geometric shape such as a rectangle outlined on the surface of an object, decorated with patterns on the insides) in the middle of its top.
The table is adorned with two dragons playing a pearl drawn with qiangjin (a technique to engrave patterns on the surface of an object and then apply gold glue or powder to create golden motifs). Surrounding the main image are patterns of dragons chasing a pearl as well as patterns of the eight treasures. The edges and legs of the table are also decorated with dragon patterns.
The table was made for playing the guqin. It appears to be fairly mundane, but in fact, many details were skillfully designed. At the bottom of the table is a baffle plate with two hollowed-out coin-shaped patterns. A centimeters-wide space between the baffle plate and the tabletop creates a resonance box. When the guqin is played on the table, its sound vibrates through the resonance box and is amplified by the hollowed-out coin-shaped patterns. This ingenious design can enhance the timbre and acoustic effect of the guqin.
In ancient China, the literati advocated an elegant lifestyle, and playing the guqin was considered a graceful pastime. A fine musical instrument can generate better sound in tandem with a suitable table. A masterpiece of furniture in the period of Emperor Wanli of the Ming Dynasty, this table integrates exquisite craftsmanship, ornate shapes, and practical design.
填漆戗金琴桌
填漆戗金琴桌，明万历年制，长97厘米，宽45厘米，高70厘米。琴桌长方形，通体红漆，桌面正中开光（为突出形象，在器物上勾勒出一个空间，如矩形，在其内饰以图纹），以戗金绘双龙戏珠（戗金：即在器物表面刻出花纹，再在刻纹内施以金胶、金粉，呈现出金色的花纹），四周赶珠龙纹与八宝纹间隔出现。牙板及桌腿亦饰龙纹。
琴桌专为弹奏古琴而制作，看似普通，却暗藏玄机。此琴桌底部设挡板，挡板上有镂空钱纹两个，挡板与桌面之间存在几厘米空隙，形成共鸣箱。弹奏古琴时，琴声在共鸣箱内振动共鸣，由镂空钱纹孔传出。这样的设计，提升了琴的音色和音效，很是巧妙。
中国古代，文人崇尚清雅的生活方式，抚琴作乐便是雅事之一。好琴搭配合适的琴桌，才能尽可能发挥出琴音之妙。这件琴桌集精湛工艺、华丽造型和实用设计于一体，是明万历时期的艺术佳作。
