Rectangular Low Table

This refers to a wooden rectangular soban, or a traditional low dining table with a rectangular top board. It is used to serve meals or drinks, and was generally made to be small enough to carry by hand. Its rim is attached vertically to the top board. Its four edges are round, and cloud-shaped carvings are inserted under the top board. The wood engraving on it uses various patterns, including letters such as “卍 (Buddhist swatika)” and “福 (good luck),” flora including honeysuckle, animals like bats, and abstract concepts from nature and the universe. The top board is made from different materials to those of the legs. The top board generally used ginkgo, walnut, pear, royal foxglove, linden and wild walnut wood, since they are not easily warped and well-suited for woodworking after being dried, while hard and durable wood including pine, maple and willow are employed for the legs. The surface is varnished with lacquer, both for decoration and prevention of corrosion.