A ZITAN CANTED TOP TABLE CABINET LATE MING – EARLY QING DYNASTY

of rectangular form, the cabinet constructed with straight sides surmounted by a lid with straight sides rising to a canted border and flat top, all supported on a slightly larger base with a gently cusped lower edge to the front, the lid hinged to the back of the cabinet and decorated with a chain to hold the lid in place when open, the lid opening to reveal a tray-like compartment, the front decorated across the lid and doors with a round baitong plate with a lock receptacle and ruyi-shaped hasp, above a pair of plates and pulls, set with four drawers behind the doors, the cabinet flanked by a pair of baitong C-shaped handles

Grace Wu Bruce, Zitan Furniture from the Ming and Qing dynasties, Hong Kong Exhibition, Hong Kong, 1999, pp. 52-53.
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. 192-193.

Good overall condition with just typical surface wear and shrinkage.
"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.

The canted top lid opens to reveal a tray-like compartment and two doors behind which are four drawers. The construction is more like a cabinet than a box.

The baitong metalware consists of corner reinforcements for the lid, ruyi-shaped corner pieces on the top, rectangular strap hinges for the lid and the doors, and in front, a round shaped plate with a hasp and lock receptacles, small rectangular plates with door pulls and loop shaped handles on both sides. There is a chain to hold the lid in place when open.

A similar example was included in In Pursuit of Antiquities: Thirty-fifth Anniversary Exhibition of the Min Chiu Society, Hong Kong Museum of Art, Hong Kong, 1995, p. 298.