A LARGE ZITAN STATIONERY CHEST LATE MING – EARLY QING DYNASTY

of square section, the chest comprising three drawers, the two smaller ones with a metal plate and pull, above a long one at the bottom with a pair of metal plates and pulls, the lower drawer with compartments and a hidden drawer, surmounted by a cover hinged on the back of the chest and chained to the sides of the box, opening to reveal a tray-like compartment, all resting on a slightly larger beaded-edged base with four short bracket feet, the front embellished with cusped and circular metal plates with a lock receptacle and an elongated ruyi-shaped hasp, the corners and edges decorated and reinforced with metal straps

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. 190-191.

Overall good condition with typical bruising, surface scratches and minor chips. As visible on the top and on the interior tray compartment, there are narrow sections of approx. 1 cm and 0.5 cm where replacement sections of wood have been used to consolidate areas of 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."

This stationery chest is larger in size than the usual table cabinets, square in shape, dignified and sedate in appearance. The material is of choice timber. The top lid opens to reveal a tray-like compartment and there are three drawers below. The lower drawer has compartments as well as a secret drawer which can only be opened from the back. The design of this chest is special and unusual, different from the more commonly found examples.