Flower-Shaped Inlaid Serving Table with Tiger-Feet Legs

This kind of small table was traditionally used either for serving food or as a personal dining table within a room. In older Korean homes, the kitchen and living areas were separate, and cookware was often made of heavy brass or ceramic. To make serving easier, small tables were made from light but strong wood—durable enough to carry weight, yet easy to move. Originally, they were used to serve tea to honored guests, but over time, they became common household items. Instead of having a large table where all the family gathered, everyone had their own personal table.

This table is made from reconditioned old wood sourced from traditional homes. Because the wood has been naturally aged and restored, it is exceptionally durable.

Mother of pearl lacquer

"Mother of pearl lacquer" is a decorative technique that combines mother of pearl, the iridescent inner layer of oyster or abalon shells with black lacquerware, a traditional art form using layers of resin to create smooth, glossy surfaces. When the two meet—shell and lacquer—the result is magic: shimmering patterns that catch the light like water and last for many generations.

The roots of this technique trace back to China’s Tang Dynasty, where artisans first began embedding shell into lacquered surfaces. Over time, the craft spread across East Asia, finding a new home in Korea. It flourished during the Goryeo Dynasty, when mother-of-pearl was used to decorate fine celadon and white porcelain. By the Joseon period, the technique had grown even more sophisticated. Korean artisans began applying mother-of-pearl to metal objects, creating richly detailed works that reflected both skill and status.
In the late Joseon era, this glittering craft caught the eye of royalty and nobles, who prized it for its beauty, elegance, and timelessness. The pieces made during this time were some of the most elaborate and refined ever produced—treasures meant to be admired and passed down.

Korean tables with tiger-feet legs are a traditional design element since the Joseon Dynasty. The tiger, known as a guardian animal in Korean culture, was believed to ward off evil spirits, making the tiger feet a symbol of both physical and spiritual protection for the home.

Ideal for solo or paired tea sessions.

Place of Origin: South Korea

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