Pre-WWII, 1930's-1940's. Asian Nesting Tables - George Zee. Set of 4.

Description

The delivery of these tables is Local Pickup Only. Please be aware that this means you will pick up the items yourself or arrange your own delivery. Items will not be shipped to you.
Be aware also that "Local" refers to the vicinity of the seller. Before buying please check where that location is and if it is doable for you to claim it from there
Thank you.
Pre-WWII, 1930's - 1940's
Asian Nesting Tables
by George Zee
Set of 4.
Reasonable offers considered.
All 4 tables are beautifully carved on the sides with different asian scenes. The tops are carved around the perimeters with Lotus flowers and geometric design.
There is some damage to the biggest table. (See pictures) Top is split, one leg shows damage, and one cross support bar at the bottom is missing - nevertheless it is still a usable table.
All 3 of the other tables are in very good condition.
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George Zee (徐國祥, Xu Guoxiang) originally studied to become a Presbyterian minister at the Princeton Seminary in the US but instead went into the furniture business in Shanghai in the 1930's in order to support his large extended family.
He proved to be a shrewd businessman and was good at attracting Western clients, soon his George Zee & Co (Xu Hai Ji in Chinese) was one of the leading Chinese wood carved furniture makers in Shanghai with its flagship store located at 142 Nanking Road.
After 1949, major furniture makers in Shanghai relocated to Hong Kong.
Because of the Chinese civil war following World War Two with the Republican troops led by Chiang Kai Shek, and the communist troops led by Mao Tse Tung, many wealthy Chinese business owners fled China for the stability of Hong Kong, then a British protectorate.
Zee moved to Hong Kong after the war to start a new factory. This coincided with the introduction of the serial numbers and "Hong Kong" labels.
The pieces after they moved to Hong Kong have a metal plate that has Company info and serial #. The first 2 numbers in the serial indicate the year that the piece was made (Ex: SN 48 1264 - made in 1948).
However, while still in China, the tags did not have a serial number. George Zee furniture without a serial number was made while the company was still in China.
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The metal label on these tables does not have any serial number on it, nor does it say Hong Kong. The Manufacture location is in Shanghai and it also says MADE IN CHINA.
Metal tag: (see picture)
"George Zee and Co.
Art Carved Furniture Manufacturers.
142 Nanking Road (Eastern), Shanghai
Cable Address: Georgeze
MADE IN CHINA"