A SMALL HUANGHUALI AND HUAMU RECESSED-LEG TABLE (PINGTOUAN) 17TH CENTURY

a single flush floating panel of well-figured nanmu burlwood set within a mitered frame of standard construction, supported underneath by two transverse stretchers, the edge of the mitered frame gently molded and ending in a beaded edge, above a plain straight apron, the splayed round legs cut to house plain shaped spandrels, the legs double-tenoned into the top and joined by a floating-panel tongue-and-grooved into the miter, mortise and tenon frame set into the legs forming a high shelf  

The shelf has been replaced. There are patch repairs to all four legs where the lower shelf is joined indicating that there must have been considerable racking that has been subsequently repaired. The amount of open and filled space adjacent to the area where the legs join the top panel is indicative of the loosening of the joints over time. The surface with expected wear and sun damage. The burlwood panel with some losses and consolidated lifting.
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.

A similar huanghuali table with an integral shelf from the collection of Mr. and Mrs. James Biddle is illustrated in Robert H. Ellsworth, Chinese Furniture: Hardwood Examples of the Ming and Early Ch’ing Dynasties, New York, 1970, pl. 72; another, also with a huanghuali top, in the Mimi and Raymond Hung Collection is illustrated in Robert H. Ellsworth, Chinese Furniture: One Hundred Examples from the Mimi and Raymond Hung Collection, New York, 1996, pl. 49; and another in Grace Wu Bruce, Living with Ming - the Lu Ming Shi Collection, Hong Kong, 2000, no. 28, where it is stated that such tables, with almost perfect proportions, are a variation of the classic form of Ming pingtouan tables. Another example of this type, formerly in The Museum of Classical Chinese Furniture, was sold at Christie’s New York, 19th September 1996, lot 29. A side table of similar form and proportion, with a green stone top, from the Dr. S. Y. Yip Collection, was sold in our Hong Kong rooms, 7th October 2015, lot 129.