A 'HUANGHUALI' TABLE CABINET, GUANPIXIANG LATE MING – EARLY QING DYNASTY

made in huanghuali throughout, the cabinet constructed with straight plain sides surmounted by a cover hinged on the back of the box to reveal a tray-like compartment, all resting on a slightly larger base with curvilinear base stretchers, the exterior of the panels inlaid with thin bone rectangular bands, the top of the cover further decorated with four stylised dragons within the frame, the front embellished across the cover and doors with a huangtong plate with a lock receptacle and ruyi-shaped hasp, above a pair of door plates and pulls, set with three drawers behind the doors, the cabinet flanked by a pair of of angular loop handles and two sets of three lobed medallions, the corners decorated and reinforced with metal straps

The Chinese Collection, Asian Civilisations Museum, Singapore, 1997-99.
Grace Wu Bruce, Chan Chair and Qin Bench: The Dr S. Y. Yip Collection of Classic Chinese Furniture II, Art Museum, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, 1998, pp. 178-179.
Grace Wu Bruce presents Ming Furniture from the Collection of Dr S. Y. Yip, Institute of Contemporary Art, London, 1999.
The Millennium Exhibition of Ming Furniture from the Dr S. Y. Yip Collection, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, 2000.

There is typical surface wear, age cracks and bruises, especially losses to the underside. Elements of the inlay design have been replaced.
"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 table cabinets were used as dressing cases by both men and women to store toiletries, jewellery and other valuables. They were also used on desks for the storage of stationery, writing implements and seals. These pieces are called guanpixiang, official boxes, but in fact, their construction is more like a cabinet than a box.