A pair of huanghuali rectangular stools Qing Dynasty, 17th century

each with a wide rectangular frame and 'ice-plate' edge enclosing a hard mat seat above a short recessed waist and plain apron, supported on slightly splayed legs joined by humpbacked stretchers terminating in tapered hoof feet (2)

Each stool with a hard cane surface with a 6 inch splice at the edge of one, both with filled in cane holes. Both most probably with stretchers of later date and incorporating numerous filled in areas. One stool most probably with replaced aprons, and the same stool with triangular filled mortises on the legs near the join of the stretcher.
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.

A similar pair of rectangular stools is illustrated in Robert H. Ellsworth, Chinese Furniture: Hardwood Examples of the Ming and Early Ch'ing Dynasties, New York, 1971, p. 202, figs. 114, 114a; and a set of four can be found in Grace Wu Bruce, Dreams of Chu Tan Chamber and Romance with Huanghuali Wood: The Dr. S.Y. Yip Collection of Classical Chinese Furniture, Hong Kong, 1991, cat. 12, pp. 46-47. See also a set of four similar stools, also with humpbacked stretchers in the Tseng Riddell Collection, illustrated in Splendor of Style: Classical Chinese Furniture from the Ming and Qing Dynasties, National Museum of History, Taipei, 1999, pp. 64-66.