A RED, POLYCHROME AND GILT LACQUER SIDE TABLE QING DYNASTY, KANGXI PERIOD

with rectangular top, the red ground incised and painted with polychrome lacquer with a large shaped central reserve enclosing a phoenix amidst lush peony blooms flanked by crane and darting swallows amidst further flowers all against a wan-fret diaper ground reserved with lozenge-form panels of flowers, surmounting an archaistic openwork apron of adjoining hooks and scrolls painted with further archaistic patterns supported on four legs of square section terminating in hoof feet similarly painted, the underside with three transverse stretchers 

Acquired by the aunt of the owner, Little Rock, Arkansas, in the 1970s and thence by descent.

The surface with significant lifting, flaking and wear. There are areas of overpaint and consolidation from previous restoration. There are some breaks along the joins of the openwork apron.
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.

The technique tianqi involves the building up of layers of lacquer over wood covered in hemp cloth. Each layer is left to dry and then polished down; once thick enough the design is incised on the surface and these areas are outlined with gilt and filled in with lacquers of various colors including tones of red ochre, green, black and brown.