- 117
A HUANGHUALI MIRROR CASE LATE MING DYNASTY
Estimate
180,000 - 280,000 HKD
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Description
- huanghuali (Dalbergia odorifera)
of square section, the lid lifting up to reveal a collapsible mirror stand, inset with exquisite openwork panels of flowers and stylised tendrils, framing the central section carved in openwork with a quatrefoil motif, the bottom of the stand with a lotus leaf-shaped support for the mirror, all above a dressing case set with three drawers, the drawer fronts carved with scrolling tendrils
Exhibited
Freer Gallery of Art and Arthur M. Sackler Gallery, Smithsonian Institution, Washington D.C., 1997-2001.
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. 65, p. 186-187.
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. 65, p. 186-187.
Condition
Overall good condition, with just minor surface wear to the fragile extremities.
"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."
"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."
Catalogue Note
"Another classic, this is in the form of a mirror box and a cosmetic implement. Only real beauties deserve to use it!"
This exquisite piece is different from the classic mirror boxes, which comprise the main body of this piece but are constructed without the lid covering the collapsible stand and its back support.
Huanghuali mirror cases with lids are extremely rare, possibly unique. See a similar piece but without a cover illustrated in Wang Shixiang, Classic Chinese Furniture: Ming and Early Qing Dynasties, London, 1986, p. 240, now in the collection of the Shanghai Museum.