A HUANGHUALI 'BAMBOO-STYLE' RECESSED-LEG TABLE (PINGTOUAN) QING DYNASTY, 18TH CENTURY

of typical mitered, mortise and tenon construction with two board flush floating panel tongue-and-grooved in the rectangular frame, enclosed within a raised edge double-cushion outer frame , the shaped spandreled aprons with openwork foliate panels, repeated along the apron alternating with chilong medallions, all supported on four hexalobe-section legs joined the short sides by a double stretchers, the outer frame, aprons, legs and stretchers all cylindrical and carefully carved to simulate bamboo stalks with irregular notches in imitation of its distinctive nodes

Collection of Robert P. Griffing Jr., Director of the Honolulu Academy of Art (1947-1963), (by repute).

The top panel with a single long split traveling the full length of the board and several small splits with filled or patched repair. There are patched and filled repairs to the joinery and the'bent-bamboo' corners of the apron and spandrels. There are three series of patch-filled apertures to the underside frame indicating that the table may have been reduced in length. The openwork panels included some possibly later replacements. The feet with wear, one with a large chip, and some splitting and fitted with metal plates at the base. The legs are comprised of huanghuali segments surrounding a softwood core. The surface is worn, sun-bleached and there is a circular burn mark in the center of the top panel.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

The enduring taste for simulated bamboo initially appears to have become fashionable during the late Ming dynasty. Actual bamboo furniture enjoyed popularity from the Tang dynasty onward. The stalks were cleverly bundled and bound together to create strong, light weight, and attractive furniture, most typically stools, chairs and tables.  While very few Ming dynasty bamboo examples have survived, its influence in the use of vertical struts, wrapping and bundling is readily observed in hardwood furniture. In addition to the structural elements, the idea of using an expensive hardwood to imitate a common material enhanced the appeal.  

Bamboo-style tables with the same level of articulation of the present example are extremely rare. Generally, the cushion molding and 'wrap-around' effect are done without the effort of detailing the nodes of the stalk. A similarly articulated faux bamboo huanghuali games table from the Gangolf Geis Collection was sold at Christie's New York, 18th September 2003, lot 21.