A CARVED HARDWOOD TABLE WITH INSET PORCELAIN PLAQUES QING DYNASTY

of rectangular form and inset with blue and white porcelain plaques, the flat top supported on a constricted waist bordered with thin oval openings, all above an openwork straight apron set from the interior with porcelain plaques, each painted in underglaze blue with two interlocked rings amidst undulating foliate lotus scrolls, the aprons adorned with spandrels on the corners reticulated in the form of stylised dragons, all supported on four straight square section legs terminating in stylised angular scroll feet

There are minor age cracks, bruises and general surface wear, especially at the tips of the feet. Age cracks and gaps to the surface. Scratches to the porcelain panels.
"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."

The design of interlocking circles adorning the porcelain panels on this table derives from bamboo furniture, where circular or geometric forms played an important structural role in providing support between stretchers. Later hardwood furniture carpenters incorporated these supports into their designs, although they were no longer structurally necessary. This motif acquired popularity during the Ming and Qing dynasties due to its auspicious symbolism: a pair of interlocked circles represents double happiness as they resemble two Chinese coins, shuang qian, to form the pun, shuang quan, meaning ‘both complete’. Further examples of hardwood furniture that are fitted with similar wooden double circles include a table illustrated in George N. Kates, Chinese Household Furniture, New York, 1948, pl. 41; and a huanghuali daybed, published in Sarah Handler, Ming Furniture in the Light of Chinese Architecture, Berkeley, 2004, p. 95.

It is more common to find hardwood tables inset with cloisonné enamel or jade; for example see an octagonal incense stand decorated with cloisonné plaques on the apron and waist, in the Palace Museum, Beijing, illustrated in Hu Desheng, A Treasury of Ming and Qing Dynasty Palace Furniture, vol. 1, Beijing, 2007, pl. 319; a square table with rectangular cloisonné plaques, sold in our London rooms, 27th October 1989, lot 79; and a table fashioned with stretchers in the form of twisted ropes, inset with jade bi disks and small cloisonné plaques, sold at Christie’s Hong Kong, 1st June 2011, lot 3607.