A Pair of 'Huanghuali' Rectangular Stools (Fang Deng) 17th Century

the rectangular tops with soft cane seat and molded edge over a recessed waist, underside with two transverse stretchers, all over four slightly tapering legs of square section, joined by humpback stretchers, terminating in hoof feet, the interior of legs and apron with finely beaded edge, the wood of an attractive golden-brown (2)

Naga Antiques, New York (until 2002).
Thereafter with the present owner.

overall good condition, cane seats replaced, one apron support with a minor crack to interior, not showing on exterior edge, transverse stretchers probably of a later date, dark heavy stain to the undersides of both
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.

For a similar slightly larger pair of stools, see Robert Hatfield Ellsworth et al, Chinese Furniture, One Hundred Examples from the Mimi and Raymond Hung Collection, New York, 1996, no. 3, p. 46-47. Compare also a pair of stools with slightly arched aprons and without beaded inner edge illustrated in Robert D. Jacobsen with Nicholas Grindley, Classical Chinese Furniture in the Minneapolis Institute of Arts, Minneapolis, 1999, no. 2, pp. 38-39, and a stool without beaded inner edge illustrated by Robert Hatfield Ellsworth in Chinese Furniture, Hardwood Examples of the Ming and Early Ch'ing Dynasties, New York, 1970, no. 114, p. 202. Compare also a similar pair of stools sold in these rooms, 19th April 1989, lot 515; another pair sold in these rooms, 3rd June 1992, lot 337; and a third pair sold in these rooms, 20th September 2000, lot 131.