An Anglo-Chinese Inlaid Huang Hua Li Games Table early 19th century

the figured crossbanded and line-inlaid top with two flaps and centered by a sliding panel reversing to a games board, and opening to an inlaid backgammon board, with a drawer below.

Beautiful quality, good restored condition, top nicely sun faded, the sliding panel with age cracks and shim at center to both sides, old marks and scratches, replacements to veneers and line inlay, some perishing to varnish, backgammon well and trestle base darker in color than top, ring pulls possibly later, one pull lacking backplate.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

The form of this interesting table is based on that of an English sofa table of the same period, its Chinese origin being shown by its construction which is in solid hardwood including the drawer. This is inlaid with darker woods and ivory or bone, the geometric detail being very similar to a folding games board supplied by Thomas Chippendale to Ninian Home for Paxton House, 1774. This is also probably of oriental origin, although it is some twenty earlier in date (See: Christopher Gilbert, The Life and Work of Thomas Chippendale, London, 1978, p. 223, fig. 407). Another table of this form with a fixed chess board on the top and with a drawer below inlaid with a backgammon board is illustrated by Carl Crossman, The China Trade, Woodbridge, 1991, color plate 89.      

A closely related sofa table, its construction and inlay being very similar to the present table, was exhibited, A Tale of Three Cities - Canton, Shanghai & Hong Kong, Sotheby's, London, 1997, p. 170, no. 221.