A BOXWOOD AND HONGMU ‘BASKET’ STAND QING DYNASTY, 18TH / 19TH CENTURY

supported on six ruyi-head feet, carved and reticulated in the form of an elaborate basket, the main body of baluster form with panels of scrolling floral sprigs, between pendent plantain leaves and chrysanthemum petals, below a waisted neck similarly adorned with meandering scrolls, surrounded by darker overhanging ruyi-heads, the top register enclosed within a floret-decorated gallery

A 5 cm. section of the upper balustrade has been broken and reaffixed (with traces of an old glue), and a small 1.5 cm section of the reticulated apron underneath has chipped off. Another small section of the balustrade has been detached and reglued, but otherwise the stand is in quite good condition. The actual colour is less orange and slightly more brown compared to the catalogue photo.
"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."

Intricately carved stands of this type were much favoured during the early Qing period and continued to be made into the 19th century . The form of the present stand is inspired by fancy woven baskets made to contain fruit or flowers, which are sometimes associated with female immortals, including Lan Caihe who is traditionally depicted with a basket of this type.

The carving style of the openwork design is reminiscent of that seen on 18th century Chinese wooden furniture; for example see a table with openwork panels and corner spandrels carved with scrolling leaves illustrated in Hu Desheng, The Palace Museum Collection. A Treasury of Ming and Qing Dynasty Palace Furniture, vol. 1, Beijing, 2007, fig. 253, together with a zitan incense stand, its aprons carved with scrolling leaves and flowers, fig. 329. See also a bamboo carving of a basket with openwork lotus decoration included in The Complete Collection of Treasures of the Palace Museum. Bamboo, Wood, Ivory and Rhinoceros Horn Carvings, Shanghai, 2001, pl. 64, together with an ivory flower basket of similar form as the present example, also decorated with openwork motif, pl. 171.