More portable than heavy chairs, stools have been a favored form of seating in Chinese culture for centuries and were used indoors and out at mealtimes and during social gatherings. This type of square stool is known as a fang deng, and doubles as a low table for displaying objects or serving tea. This square stool (fang deng) dates to the mid-19th century and is crafted with an elmwood frame enclosing a floating-panel top of dense walnut. The outer edge of the seat frame is decorated with ribbed carvings that round the corners in imitation of early Chinese furniture made of bent bamboo. The straight corner legs are carved with matching vertical reeding and linked by humpback stretchers. The original lacquer finish has faded beautifully with time and developed a soft patina that calls to be touched.