A HUANGHUALI MIRROR STAND (BAOZUOSHIJINGTAI) 17TH / 18TH CENTURY

the rectangular cabinet with a matched pair of hinged doors, concealing three drawers, above a beaded cusped apron, surmounted by two side panels and a tall arched back panel, terminating in dragon head-finials, each enclosing elaborate openwork panels, a single panel of a xiniu gazing backwards up at the moon to each side, the central section comprised of five openwork panels, a spotted deer under a peach tree flanked by panels of prunus, above a narrow band of ducks and lotus all surmounted by two phoenix centering on a peony, a lotus-form support tenoned into the center of the top panel

The stand with some possible replacements and with minor repairs. The metalwork is replaced. The lotus form support is a later replacement.
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.

From the 12th through the 14th century, the xiniu, an imaginary creature, often described as a mythical rhinoceros who communicated with the sky, was frequently depicted. According to some legends, the animal's peculiar horn is formed while gazing at the moon. In other more complicated accounts, the horn elongates to a point after 1,000 years, is then ordained with white stars, and exhales a vapor that penetrates the sky.