A HUANGHUALI THREE-SPANDREL SQUARE TABLE (FANGZHUO) 17TH / 18TH CENTURY

the paneled top set within a mitered, mortise and tenon frame, the molded frame with a central groove tapering to a crisply beaded edge, the straight beaded apron continuing to a scrolling foliate spandrel flanking each leg with a third similarly carved spandrel joining the outside of each leg to the projecting top corner, the legs of lobed square section joined by double-beaded humpback stretchers connected to the apron on each side by two ruyi-form struts

At one point the table was reduced in height and now each the lower section of each leg has a spliced addition of approximately 7 inches. One of the top panels appears to be a later replacement. The table has numerous filled and patched repairs and possible replacements to some of the spandrels, stretchers and decorative struts.
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.

Examples similar to this rare form are found represented in two illustrious collections; one in the Shanghai museum is illustrated in Wang Shixiang, Connoisseurship of Chinese Furniture, Hong Kong, 1990, pl. B50 and the other is in the Palace Museum, Beijing, illustrated in The Complete Collection of Treasures of the Palace Museum, Furniture of the Ming and Qing Dynasties (I), vol. 53, Hong Kong, 2002, pl. 77. A pair of the same form but inset with decorative stone tops is illustrated in Splendor of Style: Classical Furniture from the Ming and Qing Dynasties, National Museum of History, Taipei, 1999, pp. 128-129 where it is noted that the form with its fine detailed carving and legs of crisp 'melon-shaped' profile exemplify the best of Suzhou craftsmanship.