A HUANGHUALI MEDICINE CHEST LATE MING – EARLY QING DYNASTY

of rectangular form, the cabinet constructed with three straight panels inset into a plain base to form the walls of the chest and a pair of doors at the front, flanked by a pair of huangtong 'C'-shaped handles suspending from metal plates, the doors and edges further decorated and reinforced with huangtong strap hinges, front rectangular plates, openwork door pulls and lock receptacles, the interior divided into three main registers, the central one with two drawers

As expected of its use in its domestic setting, there are minor bruises, especially to the fragile extremities and shrinkage between the separate sections of the wood. The drawers are possibly replaced, as are the metal fittings.
"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."

These type of table cabinets without a cover and a top compartment were referred to as medicine chests, the name given to a type of box whose interior has many drawers. These boxes may have two doors like the present example or a single removable panel, the common denominator seems to be their possession of a number of drawers.  The original medicine chests were made of zamu, indigenous lightweight woods for easy carriage and these heavy ones made of dense huanghuali wood are derivatives from the original for storing valuables, so it is more appropriate to call them table cabinets.