A Huanghuali Three-Drawer Coffer

the long table top terminating in everted end on the narrow sides, set below three-drawers opening up to a concealed bottom compartment, above a cloud-shaped apron carved with scrolling foliage centred on a lotus bloom, the side flanges on the front similarly carved with scrolling vegetation, the surface highly polished

My Humble House, Taiwan.

The back top edge has a 25 and 20 cm section of scratches and nicks. The bottom 4 cm of the apron is replaced. The back side and the narrow sides are made of hongmu. There are old stains on the top.
"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."

A very similar table is illustrated in Wang Shixiang, Connoisseurship of Chinese Furniture, Ming and Early Qing Dynasties, Vol.II, Hong Kong, 1990, cat. no. E12.  Compare also a coffer table of similar form, with arched and pierced scrolled apron, illustrated in Robert Hatfield Ellsworth, Chinese Furniture, Hardwood Examples of Ming and Early Ch'ing Dynasties, New York, 1970, cat. no. 60.  A coffer table of similar form, with round lockplates was sold at Christie's New York, 18th September 2003, lot 25.