Antique Two-Tier Cane and Scorched Bamboo Tiger Wood Side Table with Storage Top

You’ll find this classic bamboo side table while flipping through the pages of nearly every design magazine. Understated, perhaps because of it’s size, it packs a big punch. It serves as both form and function with two areas for storage. Both a hidden box, as well as a bottom open shelf.

Born in the 19th century, this piece is created out of bamboo. Other terms used to describe this type of material and finish, are scorched bamboo or tortoiseshell bamboo or tiger bamboo. This particular piece is square in form and has four legs. The top of the table is square and features a box with a liftable lid for storage. Fastened with a hinge, it is a great way to hide little things that make a space feel cluttered. (TV remotes, reading glasses, etc.) When closed, the top functions as a normal tabletop. We envision a beautiful vase sitting atop a stack of well-loved books.

Under the top of the table, sits a second open tier shelf for additional storage. Again, we think this would be a great way to showcase a stack of your favorite books or a small bowl of fresh flowers.

Both the top of the table, and the sides are covered in what is sometimes called rice matt. It’s more of a woven fiber much like cane or wicker, and can often be mistaken for grasscloth.

This piece would be fabulous if used in a number of ways:

1.) Our dear friend suggested using this as her “smoking box”. With the inside holding the items she wouldn’t necessarily want in view, but in a convenient enough place to quickly grab things should she need/want to.

2.) Entry table: To eliminate the mess of setting keys and sunglasses on a table, we think this small table box would be a great place to set keys and sunglasses inside, and then closed, to set a purse on top of.

3.) Patio: A lovely plant stand between two patio chairs would be lovely. On a covered front porch, this would be a great conversation piece as well as a place to hold your favorite cocktail.

4.) Occasional Table in a living room: In a living room, we see this beautiful table less as a focal point in a space, but more as an additional piece that adds that extra layer of intrigue. We love mixing old and new. And this table would be a great way to incorporate a touch of history.

The condition of this gem is consistent with its age and use. The top shows a circular mark that looks as though it may have served as a cocktail table. (To be a fly on the wall during that period!)

The rice matt along the side of the storage box as well as at the top show signs of wear in that it looks a bit “wavy”. A testament to its age. There is however one place on the back where the bamboo detail around the bottom of the storage box has pulled away. Other items of note, that there are minor markings at the feet as well as on the corners of the top. Still wonderful condition. And as we say, “We’d still let it eat crackers in bed.”

A wonderful piece that deserves a wonderful new home.