A HUANGHUALI ROUND-CORNER TAPERED CABINET, YUANJIAOGUI QING DYNASTY, 18TH/19TH CENTURY

the projecting top frame set on four rounded corner posts accented with squared moulding in the inner edges, securing a pair of wood-hinged doors, with simple straight aprons with rounded spandrels at the corners just above the feet, with a rectangular lock-plate and set with rectangular door-pulls

Collection of Dr J.H. Zeeman, Charge d'Affaires, Embassy of the Netherlands, Beijing 1954-1957.
Thence by descent.

There is slight warpage to the front plank of the top and there is some shrinkage to the planks to the doors and a vertical 11cm long crack to the left hand side oft the right door. There are three small areas of repair to the right hand side (4cm by 2.5cm, 5cm by 2.5cm and 2.5cm by 3cm) and some shrinkage to the lower area of the panels of the same side. There is a small area of repair and a vertical split (4cm) where the side panels meet to the left hand side. There is a small chip to the front edge of the door rail (5mm by 1.3cm) and scuff marks where the doors have opened and closed. The interior shelves are most likely 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. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

A classic design in Chinese furniture, this tapered cabinet is notable for its minimal decoration and thick protruding rectangular top which appears to frame the panels of wood to draw attention to its natural beauty in both grain and coloration. A pair of cabinets of this type, was sold in these rooms, 11th November 2015, lot 13; another pair, from the collection of George P. Bickford, was sold in our New York rooms, 10th/11th April 1986, lot 374; and a single cabinet, from the collection of Robert H. Ellsworth, illustrated in Chinese Furniture. Hardwood Examples of the Ming and Early Ch’ing Dynasties, New York, 1971, pl. 123, was sold at Christie’s New York, 18th March 2015, lot 170.