A HUANGHUALI MARBLE DOORS TABLE CABINET LATE MING / EARLY QING DYNASTY

of rectangular form, the top lid opening to reveal a tray-like compartment, set with five drawers behind the two doors, the doors inset with dalishi marble visible on both sides, all resting on a cusped base

Art and the Chinese Scholar: the S. Y. Yip Collection, Phoenix Art Museum, Phoenix, 1996-99.
Grace Wu Bruce, Chan Chair and Qin Bench: The Dr. S. Y. Yip Collection of Classic Chinese Furniture II, Art Museum, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, 1998, cat. no. 62, pp. 180-181.

Overall good condition,with just minor surface wear, as expected of an item such as this, used in a domestic setting. 1cm bruise to the front below the lower drawer. Insignificant pitting and surface wear to the marble.
"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."

"This box is distinguished by its superb metalware, in all three kinds of bonze, white yellow and red, and the beautifully figured marble doors. Note the weathering on themarble outside versus the inside."

These table cabinets were used as dressing cases by both men and women to store toiletries, jewellery and other valuables. They were also used on desks for the storage of stationery, writing implements and seals. These pieces are called guanpi xiang, official boxes, but in fact, their construction is more like a cabinet than a box.

There is a quantity of table cabinets that has survived but none as glamorous as this example with picturesque marble doors.

The metalware is made of baitong beautifully and intricately worked hinges, plates and pulls. Some pieces are decorated with hongtong and huangtong inlays.