A 'HUANGHUALI' TEAPOT CONTAINER LATE MING DYNASTY

of trapezoidal form, constructed with flaring straight sides with exposed dove-tailed joints to the edges rising from four bracket feet, the front carved with a central ruyi-shaped cartouche enclosing a low-relief coiling dragon typically found on the splats of extant Ming horseshoe armchairs, below an angular groove reinforced with shaped metal mounts at the rim for the teapot spout, all above a cusped lower edge between the feet, the sides of the container further decorated with metal floral roundels and a pair of wing-like fittings to house the lobed removable handle securing the flat cover, the fittings and handle decorated with cloud-shaped motifs

The Dr S. Y. Yip Collection of Classic Chinese Furniture, The Macao Museum of Art, Macau, 2003.
Grace Wu Bruce, Feast by a wine table reclining on a couch: The Dr S. Y. Yip Collection of Classic Chinese Furniture III, Art Museum, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, 2007, pp. 178-179.

Good condition with just typical surface wear and age cracks, especially to the underside.
"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."

There are many surviving examples of teapot holders, mainly from the late Qing and Republic period. Almost all are made of miscellaneous soft woods, some lacquered. Those made in precious huanghuali and dated to the Ming are very rare.