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

the deep rectangular top with a tapered edge above a narrow straight apron, joined to short spandrels and slightly splayed legs of circular section, with two oval section crossbraces joining the legs at each end, the wood with a rich reddish patina

An American private collection.
Sotheby's New York, 23rd March 1999, lot 75.
A European private collection.
Sotheby’s New York, 14th September 2011, lot 128.

Both end aprons have been replaced and the top planks reduced in length. There appears to be a repaired fill at the join between the two center boards and several refilled sections to the frame, largest approx. 7 cm. One leg with some repaired fills around the stretchers. There are typical wear and tear, as well as bruising and minor chips, especially visible on the underside and to the tips of the legs. Much of the original lacquer on the underside has been preserved. The table with a rich reddish patina.
"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."

The classic form of the present table has historically been referred to a 'character one' table type. The Chinese word for 'one' is written as a single horizontal stroke giving a graphic image of this type of very linear table. The descriptive term of 'character one table type' (yi zi zhou shi) is taken from the Wanli period edition of the Lu Ban jing jiang jia jing [The classic of Lu Ban and the craftsman's mirror], named after the mythical patron of the carpenter's craft and containing information on architectural woodwork and the making of furniture. These tables were designed as surfaces on which to paint. The height and depth are appropriately proportioned for an artist to stand and freely use the brush over a long paper or silk surface. Fine-grain wood, such as huanghuali, were reserved for painting tables as the craftsmen strove for the pure beauty of the grain and structural form.

Compare two longer huanghuali tables, one sold in our New York rooms, 19th March 1997, lot 383, and again 23rd March 2011, lot 671, and another in these rooms, 5th October 2011, lot 2107.