A NANMU BURLWOOD PORTABLE MEDICINE CHEST (YAOXIANG) QING DYNASTY, 17TH / 18TH CENTURY

of rectangular form, the plain sides with mitered hidden-dovetailed corners, the front with a removable richly-figured floating panel door, all surmounted by a humpback handle, the interior with six drawers of varying size, huangtong reinforcing mounts to each corner and to either side of the handle, as well as the, lockplate, escutcheons and drawer pulls (8)

Collection of Dr. S. Y. Yip.
Christie's New York, 20th September 2002, lot 54.

Denver Art Museum, 1996-1999.
Institute of Contemporary Arts, London, 18th-24th November, 1999.

Grace Wu Bruce, Chan Chair and Qin Bench: The Dr. S. Y. Yip Collection of Classic Chinese Furniture II, Hong Kong, 1998, cat. no. 59.

The top panel with some filled repair to minor splits, the longest being horizontal towards the front. One side panel with a repaired diagonal split. The removable front panel with a triangular patch repair to one corner and one of the four raised filets appears to be replaced as do the wood tabs at the base which is expected. The top vertically positioned drawer with two repaired corners. It is possible that some of the runners and drawer dividers have been replaced. The opening at the top may have once held a tray or drawer.
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.

Previously catalogued as a medicine cabinet due to the various small drawers, the convenient proportions of the present piece indicate it could also be used for storing other objects. A related example of zitan and burlwood is illustrated in Grace Wu Bruce, Living with Ming - The Lu Ming Shi Collection, Hong Kong, 2000, cat. no. 66.