明末 黃花梨靈芝紋獨板面炕案

案面獨板厚實，帶側腳的方材腿足起混面，下端外撇，上端開口嵌夾同樣是選料厚實沿邊起線的牙條，再以雙榫納入案面下方。抹頭下方安沿邊起線短牙子，與正面牙條以露明燕尾榫相接。腳足間安靈芝紋開光擋板，下托直棖。其下安一塊小牙子。

Grace Wu Bruce, Dreams of Chu Tan Chamber and the Romance with Huanghuali Wood: The Dr. S.Y. Yip Collection of Classic Chinese Furniture, Art Museum, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, 1991, cat. no. 32, pp. 90-91.
The Chinese Collections, Asian Civilisations Museum, Singapore, 1997-99.

There is typical surface wear and bruising to the fragile extremities, as expected through its use in a domestic setting over the centuries.
"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."

"My favourite kang table with a single plank board and splayed legs. I often sat besides it with folded knees to read my old painting scrolls."

The kang table is a classic type of Ming table, suitable for use at
mat level or on the kang, a hollow brick platform where hot air is
driven through to create a warm living space.

Classic kang tables are usually of rectangular zhuo form with legs at the corners; recessed legs examples are very rare. Rectangular kang tables are placed in the centre for reading and writing, drinking tea and eating on. Those long shapes like the present example are placed at the ends against the wall on either ends for the placement of objects, and there are few surviving examples.

The plank-top table is standard type in full-height furniture, but is rarely seen in kang tables. The slightly everted feet of the legs and the beautifully decorated inset carved lingzhi panels provide relief to what otherwise might be a heavy piece of furniture, and contribute to a striking effect.

A similarly shaped kang table with everted ends and of a larger size is illustrated in Grace Wu Bruce, A Choice Collection of Chinese Ming Furniture, Grace Wu Bruce, Hong Kong, 2011, pp. 30-33.