A huanghuali three-drawer coffer

the top composed of two wide panels within a frame with 'ice-plate' edges terminating in everted flanges, supported by pairs of recessed legs with rounded fronts, enclosing three drawers above two rectangular panels and a simple straight apron with shaped spandrels between the legs and top frame, each drawer set with round metal lockplate and swing handle framed by a shaped false apron carved in relief

This coffer is constructed of reused timber with numerous filled mortises. One end of the top with a 10 inch partially filled split. The right end panel under the top with a 4 x 1/2 inch missing section. The left end panel under the top is broken and repaired. The top of both flange brackets have been replaced. The center drawer is missing 5 inches of the lower molded edge, the flange bracket is disattached from the front. The right drawer with 2 inch chip to the lower edge.
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 three-drawer coffer of similar form is illustrated in Robert H. Ellsworth, Chinese Furniture, New York, 1970, pl. 60; and another in the Tianjin Historical Museum, illustrated in Wang Shixiang, Connoisseurship of Chinese Furniture, vol. II, pl. E-12, where the author notes that the coffer was a prevailing form during the Ming dynasty. For a detailed discussion on coffers, see Curtis Evarts, 'The Enigmatic Altar Coffer', The Journal of the Classical Chinese Furniture Society, Autumn 1994, pp. 29-44.

Compare also a similar coffer formerly in the Museum of Classical Chinese Furniture, Renaissance, California, later sold at Christie's New York, 19th September 1996, lot 63; and another three-drawer coffer above two panels, from the Gangolf Geis Collection, sold at Christie's New York, 18th September 2003, lot 25.