The mastery of the Chinese furniture maker shows off on this simple square stool. It has a wide mitered frame, waisted plain apron, two vertical supports from the stretchers, all done in great details with beaded edges. and legs ending in hoofed feet. Four mortise and tenon joints are evident on the mitered frame. The wide miter and the mortise and tenon joints are good signs of age. The underside of the stool shows the loss of the original mahogany lacquer finish, and another miter frame to hold the seat. It was fashionable in the early 2000's when antique Chinese materials were so popular to source for pieces that still have the original finish. This square stool is a fine example of how an antique stool ages. The original lacquer is gone from the seat due to use, and at one point something hot was placed on it, resulting in burnt spots. Furniture with this type of mahogany lacquer finish originated from the Jiangnan area in Southeast China. It is the area when the Yangzi River flows through the provinces of Zhejiang and Jiangsu. It is an area of wealth, from sericulture (silk industry), salt beds, tin mines, tea and rice. Residents could afford fine furniture for their homes where this stool with all the details would be found.