An Impressive Pair of Carved Wood and Marble Pier Tables Qing Dynasty, Second Half of the 19th Century

the shaped tops with beaded edge inset with mottled beige and rouge marble, the serpentine skirt carved in high-relief with scrolling floral sprays and birds, the fronts centered by a shaped cartouche, one depicting the four noble occupations of scholar, farmer, woodsman, and fisherman, the second depicting two figures playing weiqi with two onlookers, one with a flywhisk, the other by a horse, the cabriole legs terminating in dragon's-head feet, the central x-form stretcher carved in the form of twined bamboo, surmounted by a figural group, one group bearing a inscribed scroll, the wood of a deep reddish-brown (2)

Ford Collection, Hamden, Connecticut (until circa 1958).
Thereafter with the father of the present owner.
Thence by descent.

one top with two breaks across the marble, the other with one repaired break, filled fissure, approx 7 inches in length, scattered moderate scratches and abrasions; scattered small losses to extremities of 'bamboo' stretchers, carving with scattered small losses and repairs to extremities, one side apron with repaired break where it joins the rear leg
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.

It is unusual to find works of such an impressive scale dating from this period. It is much more common to find small side tables and jardinere stands of this type, which were produced in increasing numbers to fill the growing demand in the West for exotic furnishings during the second half of the 19th century. The present pair of pier tables display the fusion of East and West which came about as a result of increasing trade and Western influence, with an essentially European Baroque form ornamented with Chinese motifs.