DAR | Museum - Featured Objects

In each issue, the bimonthly DAR magazine, American Spirit, highlights an object from the DAR Museum collection in its "National Treasures" feature. These objects, often recent accessions or important pieces in the current exhibit, always have a story to tell about American history.

National Treasures

Tea Time

Though the design of this tea table appears English in origin, it was actually made in China for the export market to the West where exotic Chinese goods were highly sought after. This rare table, which dates to the late 18th century, is covered in red lacquer with gilt decoration.

The intricate design on the tabletop border features four-clawed dragons and phoenixes among clouds. The center scene depicts an imperial pleasure garden with four groups of pavilions and distant hills in the background. Each cabriole leg is decorated with bamboo motifs accented with flower baskets, a Buddhist fly whisk and a pair of pens in a case.