Rare armoire en zitan Chine, dynastie Qing, début du XVIIIE siècle

ouvrant à deux vantaux, la partie haute faite de barres verticales ajourées et rythmées d'un cartouche quadrilobé abritant deux phénix stylisés affrontés entourant une fleur de lotus épanouie, les réserves se répétant sur les côtés abritant deux dragons stylisés affrontés autour de la perle d'immortalité, un registre finement sculpté de dragons archaïsants stylisés affrontés séparant la partie basse pleine, reposant sur quatre hauts pieds reliés devant par une ceinture ornée de rinceaux, les ferrures en cuivre patiné

The cabinet is in its original state since it was acquired in the early 1970s in China. The surface of the wood on the sides is slightly matte but the surface of the front parts has a beautiful shiny patina as a result of handling. The sides are made of three panels/pieces of zitan wood each (of different width), the middle panel on the cabine'ts right side has two 8 and 7cm long splits at the upper and lower end. The doors at the front at each composed of two pieces of zitan wood of different width. The inside of the cabinet is dusty, the back lined with printed pages of a book.
"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."