Lot 3
  • 3

A HUANGHUALI BALANCE STAND (TIANPINGJIA) 17TH CENTURY

Estimate
25,000 - 35,000 USD
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Description

  • huanghuali wood
  • Height 28  1/2  in; Width 23  1/2  in
the rectangular case set to either side with a rectangular section post joined by a humpbacked upper rail and crossbeam, supported at the base by two pairs of beaded openwork spandrels, the stand with two long drawers with baitong mounts, a central face plate composed of two rectangular sections and flanked by four ruyi-form pulls with quatrefoil escutcheons, with metal scales (2)

Condition

The spandrels on one side have been broken and repaired. The metalwork, including the scales, are later replacements.
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.

Catalogue Note

Balance stands with scales were widely used as measures when silver was the common currency and were used both domestically and commercially. The Ming dynasty novel Amazing Tales—Second Series, illustrates a balance stand in a Ming home, and a balance stand is shown in use in a shop in the 16th century novel The Gold Lotus, Jin Ping Mei Cihua in vol. 1, chapter 60.

For a similar example see Wang Shixiang and Curtis Evarts, Masterpieces from the Museum of Classical Chinese Furniture, Chicago and San Francisco, 1995, pl. 90. A related example with a carved openwork panel from the Dr. S. Y. Yip Collection was sold in our Hong Kong rooms, 7th October 2015, lot 113.