A HUANGHUALI PINGTOUAN TABLE LATE MING DYNASTY

the top of standard mitre, mortise and tenon construction with a single board tongue-and-grooved, floating panel supported by six dovetailed transverse stretchers underneath with exposed tenons on the short sides of the frame top, the edge of the frame moulding downward and inward from about one third way down and again to end in a narrow flat band, the splayed round legs cut to house the plain shaped mitred spandrelled apron and double tennoned into the top, each pair of legs joined on the shorter end with a pair of oval stretchers flattened on the underside

Grace Wu Bruce, Hong Kong.

As expected of a table of this size and rarity kept in a domestic setting, there are minor scratches and bruises to the surface, especially to the fragile tips of the legs, including one which has an approx. 4 by 2.3 cm section that has been restored. There are extensive traces of clay, ramie and lacquer on the underside.
"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. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

This classic design has its origin in ancient Chinese wooden architecture. Completely plain, this simple form with pure lines is what first captured the attention of twentieth century furniture historians. The design is now considered quintessential Ming.

This piece of near perfect proportions, made in choice timber of warm orange-brown tone, with a well-figured single panel top, is an example of the best of classic Ming furniture.

Compare a similar piece in the collection of the Central Academy of Arts & Crafts, Beijing, illustrated in Chen Zengbi, Zhongyang Gongyi Meishu Xueyuan Yuancang: Zhenpin Tulu [Central Academy of Arts and Crafts: Illustrations of collections], vol. 2, Mingshi Jiaju [Ming Furniture], Hong Kong, 1994, p. 46. See also another similar example in the Victoria and Albert Museum, London, illustrated in Craig Clunas, Chinese Furniture, Victoria and Albert Museum Far Eastern Series, London, 1988, p. 46.