A set of six hongmu square pedestal stands Qing dynasty, 18th / 19th Century

with floating-panel top and curved outer edge over a squared lip, with integral concave 'waist' continuing to the plain slightly rounded apron set on squared corner legs accented with beaded trim along all inner edges, the very low hoof feet secured by flattened and slightly humpbacked foot-stretchers

It is rare to find a set of six pedestal stands.  Tall stands of various shapes were used within classical Ming and Qing interiors to display portable candlesticks or lamps, plants, rock sculptures, decorative vases or incense burners.  The clean, straight lines of the present group of tables can be seen in a rare extant Ming example, illustrated in Grace Wu Bruce, Living with Ming - the Lu Ming Shi Collection, 2000, no. 17.