A HUANGHUALI AND BURLWOOD RECESSED-LEG TABLE, PINGTOUAN 17TH CENTURY |

with a single flush floating panel of well-figured burlwood set within a mitred frame of standard construction, above plain straight aprons with rounded spandrels, the recessed legs of circular section secured by parallel cross-braces of oval section, the underside with three supporting transverse stretchers

Collection of Lionel Phillips (1924-91), Australia, by repute.
Ansett Wridgways, Canberra, 18th May 1991.

The top of the table is in overall good condition and the centre part of old burlwood ‎is made of an attractive single plank of tree. There are some typical age cracks and crags in the wood along the edges. Some sections of the apron and sprandles are replaced as visible on the photo. The lower tranverse stretchers are fitted in old filled larger tennons on the legs, indicating also that these are later replacements. Overall the table remains very elegant and in excellent presentation state.
"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."

Lionel Phillips (1924-91) was an Australian diplomat in China from the mid 1940s to early 1950s. He was attached to the Australian Legation in Chongqing from 1943, which later relocated to Nanjing in 1946. Phillips moved to Beijing in 1949 and remained there until around 1952. During his time in China, Phillips became acquainted with various government officials and diplomats, including Zhou Enlai. The current lot was brought back to Australia with him in 1952.

Tables of this minimalist form represent one of the most versatile and popular designs in Chinese furniture, as evident in their constant popularity through the generations. Historically referred to as ‘character one’ table (yi zi shou shi), as the single horizontal stroke of the Chinese character for the numeral ‘one’ bears resemblance to this linear form, this design appears to have derived from standard wood building construction in use since the Han dynasty. Their light and simple form meant they could be easily moved from one location to another, as revealed in Ming and Qing prints where they are depicted used as altars, painting tables and also side tables.

The piece is particularly attractive for its clever use of two different types of wood. The darker burls of the top create an attractive contrast to the honey-coloured huanghuali of the frame, legs, waist and spandrels. A common practice in the Ming and Qing dynasties, huanghuali tables of this form are known inset with table tops of various types of woods, such as one with an ebony top, from the Qing Court collection and still in Beijing, illustrated in A Treasury of Ming & Qing Dynasty Palace Furniture, Beijing, 2007, vol. 1, pl. 284; another with a huamu top, included in the exhibition Dreams of Chu Tan Chamber and the Romance with Huanghuali Wood: The Dr S.Y. Yip Collection of Classical Chinese Furniture, Art Museum, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, 1991, cat. no. 22, and sold in these rooms, 7th October 2015, lot 130.

Tables of this type were produced in varying sizes, the present example exemplifying a type of smaller dimensions, readily portable and extremely useful. A table of this design and similar size is illustrated in Wang Shixiang, Connoisseurship of Chinese Furniture, Hong Kong, 1990, pl. B81; another from the collection of La Rue Robbins Lutkins was sold in our New York rooms, 20th March 2012, lot 123.