明末至清初 紫檀圓材矮老小炕桌

the top of mitre, mortise and tenon frame construction with a flush, tongue-and-grooved three-board floating panel supported by two dovetailed transverse braces underneath, the edge of the frame curving to form a half-rounded shape echoed in the apron below, the apron dovetailed into and wrapping round the legs double tennoned to the top to meet up with each other, the hump-back shaped stretchers similarly constructed below the aprons and modelled perpendicular to two pillar-shaped mitred struts on the long sides and one on the short sides

As expected there is shrinkage between the panel and frame. There are bruises to the body, especially the tips of the feet and the underside of one of the side apron. Other general surface scratches.
"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."

此桌設計屬於明朝家具中受竹製或藤編家具影響的類型。當時此種以珍貴木材仿製一般到處可見的竹材或藤編家具，想必是反映文人內斂不求外爍的心態。

炕桌為典型明朝家具桌型之一，適用於席地而坐時或用於炕上。炕為用磚製成的臺座，下面空洞，可以燒火取暖。體形較小的炕桌除了炕上使用外，亦可置於羅漢床和架子床上。

製於明代的紫檀家具相當稀少，傳世品多為帶有繁瑣雕飾的清代設計。

此桌桌面以格角榫攢邊框，打槽平鑲三板相接的面心，下裝二根穿帶出梢支承。桌面邊抹起混面，下裝形狀相似的混面垛邊，以燕尾榫裹腿做接合腿足。圓材腿足以雙榫納入桌面。垛邊下的羅鍋棖以相同做法裹腿做接合腿足。棖子與垛邊之間作肩裝入矮老，短邊一枚，長邊一雙。

安思遠，《洪氏所藏木器百圖》，紐約，1996年，編號38，有一造型類似的例子。