A HARDWOOD LONG TABLE (TIAOAN) QING DYNASTY

a single floating panel within standard mortise and tenon frame carved around the side in low relief with a band of confronting chilong  alternating with lingzhi centered by a single upward facing chilong head, supported underneath by three transverse stretchers, above a slightly recessed waist carved with an archaistic lingzhi scroll over an elaborated carved openwork shaped apron with openwork spandrels of further dragons and fungi but centering on a large downward facing dragon head, joining four square section legs with further high relief carving of lively chilong clambering in and among gnarled and whorled lingzhi sprigs 

Collection of a British diplomat, acquired in Hong Kong in the 1950s-1960s.

The table has two long splits to the top panel. There are some small expected chips to some of the openwork carving and one of the Chilong at the top on one leg is missing a section of its body.
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 expansive and energetic openwork carving of the present table is of a type popular during the late Qing dynasty. The intricacy of the carving requires the use of a dense, hardwood. For an example that might have been inspirational for the present table see an imperial zitan table of similar form, finely carved with intertwining prunus, ascribed to the early 18th century which was sold in these rooms 1st June 1994, lot 615 and again in our Hong Kong rooms 8th April 2010, lot 1847. More closely related examples, dating to later in the Qing dynasty and of Hongmu are illustrated in Gems of Beijing Cultural Relics Series, Furniture, Beijing, 1999, nos. 118, 126 and 132.