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

the cabinet constructed with straight plain sides resting on a slightly larger base of corresponding form, the front embellished across the front doors and cover with a circular metal plate with a lock receptacle and ruyi-shaped hasp, above a pair of rectangular metal plates with door pulls, the cover hinged on the back of the box and opening to reveal a tray-like compartment with a folding mirror stand, the framework divided into eight sections by stretchers, all above five drawers behind the two doors below, the four smaller ones with a metal plate and pull, above a long one at the bottom with a pair of metal plates and pulls, the sides of the cabinet flanked by pair of metal C-shaped handles suspending from floral roundels, one side further embellished with two metal floral loop roundels, the corners decorated and reinforced with metal straps and ruyi-shaped corner pieces

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. 184-185.

Good overall condition with minor bruising and surface wear. Consolidation to shrinkage on the largest of inner drawers.
"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. Completely plain and sober, this piece appears as a standard guanpixiang, and only on opening the lid is the difference revealed. A collapsible mirror stand more often found in a mirror case is fitted into the top tray-like compartment, a special feature making this quite a rare example.