Tibetan Tables

This page was updated in October 2008
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Tables are an interesting category of Tibetan furniture, consisting of a large variety of types and styles, which are usually defined by their use. The tall, elaborately carved and/or painted tables are throne tables, which would have been found in front of a Lama's high seat. Lower tables, often painted on three or even four sides, or those made of hard wood, which were unpainted and possibly lightly carved, would have been used in front of seats either in the monasteries or in the households. Folding tables were also used in front of seats and could easily be transported, perhaps for use in the open or in the tents for picnics or other occasions. The long, low, finely decorated tables were placed in front of altars, containing representations of the Buddha, and on them were placed traditional offerings. The cabriole tables, called by the Tibetans kyi-su, meaning "dog-legged", are amongst the most sought after pieces of Tibetan furniture because among them are found some of the earliest pieces of Tibetan furniture. The great diversity of decorative styles and patterns found on the tables are comparable to those encountered on the cabinets.

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