A rare red lacquer table Ming Dynasty

the rectangular top framed by four metal braces on the corners, above a plain beaded apron, all supported on its original shoe feet and T-lattice crossbraces with a horizontal strut separating a single vertical strut above two struts below set between paired legs, the feet tipped with metal fittings, covered overall in a thick nacarat orange lacquer

The table is in a remarkable original condition with very little restoration and only a little bit of retouching to minor areas of loss (four 6cm patches along the edge of one of the long sides of the table); expected age cracks along the edges and on top of the table with raised areas showing incredibly thick layers of red lacquer; cracks along the eight corners of aprons consistent with the shrinkage of lacquer due to the original "jiatosun" construction method.
"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."

Designed as an entirely lacquered recessed-leg table,  the four corners of the table top are bound in copper braces, which is an unusual feature. Sections of the four legs have double convex moulding with flat edges.  The flat edged mouldings stand out where apron-head spandrels form separate decorative motifs on the two sides.  The aprons stand out straight, and the structure of the elongated bridle joints attach directly to the table top.  The legs with continuous floor stretchers also end in feet finely covered with metal fittngs.  Side stretchers join the pairs of legs, with strut supports fixed above and below, the legs distinctly splayed.  The whole piece is brilliant but plain without any carved designs, and the robust use of materials really gives it the sense of a large table and strongly exemplifies the Ming style. 

The Palace Museum in Beijing has a similar large red lacquered kang table, which was originally used as an altar table on which scriptures and ritual implements were placed.  Another also in the Palace Museum in Beijing, illustrated in Furniture of the Ming and Qing Dynasties (I), The Complete Collection of Treasures of the Palace Museum, Hong Kong, 2002, pp. 152-153, no. 132, (fig. 1), that is a large zitan recessed-leg painting table more than two metres in length with similar lattice crossbraces  — providing solid evidence that the present lot is an example of imperial Ming Dynasty furniture.