A FINE AND RARE HUANGHUALI COMPOUND CABINET (DINGXIANG GUI) 17TH CENTURY

composed of separate upper and lower chests, each of rectangular outline, the hat chest with a pair of hinged doors with a single shelf to the interior, resting atop the larger cabinet similarly formed with a pair of hinged doors separated by a central stile, the interior with a single shelf, the strikingly figured wood on each side, front and back with shaped fielded panels, all continuing to sturdy hoof feet (2)

Ming Furniture Ltd, New York, 1997.

Ming Furniture Ltd, Catalogue, vol. II, pl. 23.
Sarah Handler, Ming Furniture in the Light of Chinese Architecture, Berkeley, 2005, pp. 193-194.

The cabinet is in overall good condition. There are minor repairs around some of the mounts and single small patch repair on the top frame of one of the doors. The mounts have been replaced and are discolored. All four legs have been consolidated and have minor nicks and repairs. The grain of the wood is well-figured and the wood is of a handsome rich golden brown color.
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.

In her book, Ming Furniture in the Light of Chinese Architecture, p. 194, Sarah Handler discusses this cabinet in some detail. She writes "The rare cabinet on page 193 appears to rest on a low stand with horse-hoof feet, but actually one piece of wood is used for both leg and stiles. Since such a continuous construction requires continuous long pieces of wood, it is more extravagant than making a separate stand using smaller timbers. However, no expense was spared on this example and even the back is fashioned from beautifully finished huanghuali instead of the more usual softwood. The deep-toned wood has a mellow glow and lively grain pattern, especially visible in the symmetrically matching door panels cut from the same tree. The panels have raised centers with indented corners. All other members are slightly convex, harmonizing with the incurving feet and giving a sense of roundness to the whole structure. It is a solid, superbly proportioned piece of exceptional quality."