Deceptively simple, this early 20th century stool from Hebei province shows off the ingenious joinery methods traditionally used by Chinese carpenters. The stool's three splayed legs are supported by stretcher bars that interlock at the center to form a triangle. Not only does this provide stability, it adds a sense of balance and design intrigue to the otherwise simple form. Painted on the round seat is a delicate lotus flower, a Buddhist symbol of purity and an emblem of summertime.