- 3692
A LONG HUANGHUALI TABLE, QIAOTOUAN LATE MING – EARLY QING DYNASTY |
Estimate
1,200,000 - 1,500,000 HKD
bidding is closed
Description
- 84.5 by 156 by 40.5 cm, 33 1/4 by 61 3/8 by 15 7/8 in.
the top of a single-board floating panel tongue-and-grooved to the frame with shaped everted flanges, the edge of the frame gently moulding downward, above a beaded apron with carved archaistic dragons, all supported on round legs joined by double stretchers
Condition
Overall good condition with original flanges, but the shorter ends of the apron have been replaced. There is minor shrinkage and typical age cracks, especially to one corner of the top frame and the legs. There is a narrow refill stripe to one apron and another refill of approx. 5 cm to one leg near the stretcher. There are typical bruising, wear and scratches, especially to the edges.
"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."
"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."
Catalogue Note
One of the most enduring and successful design in classical Chinese furniture, qiaotouan are celebrated for their elegant and yet sturdy form. While the table top of the present piece was made from a single plank of huanghuali, a sense of lightness is captured through the sinuous movements of the dragons on the aprons, and the upturned ends. The latter heighten its presence, while also serving the function of concealing the end grains of the top plank. Tables of this design derive from altar tables, zu, that were used to hold meat offerings from as early as the Eastern Zhou dynasty (771-256 BC). Rectangular tables with upturned ends are depicted on archaic bronze yi vessels from this period, and a low lacquered table with upturned flanges, unearthed from a tomb in Zhaoxiang, Hubei province, and attributed to the Spring and Autumn period (722-481 BC), is illustrated in Sarah Handler, ‘Side Tables. A Surface for Treasures and the Gods’, Chinese Furniture. Selected Articles from Orientations1984-1999, Hong Kong, 1999, p. 200.
A table of similar proportions but lacking the carved dragons on the aprons, was sold in our New York rooms, 9th/10th October 1987, lot 454; and another from the collection of Philip Wood, was sold at Christie’s New York, 15th September 2011, lot 1333.
A table of similar proportions but lacking the carved dragons on the aprons, was sold in our New York rooms, 9th/10th October 1987, lot 454; and another from the collection of Philip Wood, was sold at Christie’s New York, 15th September 2011, lot 1333.