Red and Gold Lacquered Chinese Garden Stool or Pedestal

This item is a round, red and gold lacquered pedestal or garden stool, likely of Chinese origin, constructed from wood. It features a circular top and a waisted body with curvilinear cut-outs at the base, forming four distinct C-scroll feet that rise from the underside of the main body. The primary color is a distressed, vibrant red lacquer, heavily worn on the top surface, revealing a lighter, possibly gold or natural wood tone underneath. The side of the top edge is adorned with a continuous geometric fretwork pattern in gold, suggesting a 'key' or 'leiwen' motif. Below this, the main body is richly decorated with elaborate, stylized floral or scrollwork designs, also in gold, with some sections showing more intricate patterns and possibly auspicious symbols. The gold detailing appears to be hand-painted or stenciled. Visible condition issues include significant loss and cracking of the red lacquer on the top surface, indicating considerable age and use. There are also areas of wear and minor chipping along the edges and on the C-scroll feet. The gold decoration shows some fading and rubbing, particularly on raised areas. The construction appears to be solid, typical of traditional Chinese furniture craftsmanship, possibly carved from a single piece of wood or expertly joined. While no specific maker's marks are visible, the style period points towards a traditional East Asian aesthetic, possibly late 19th to mid-20th century, though without further examination, exact age is difficult to pinpoint. The craftsmanship is indicative of a decorative piece, used either as a stool, a plant stand, or a display pedestal.