A Pair of 'Huanghuali' and 'Huamu' Display Cabinets

of rectangular section, each cabinet in two parts, the upper section comprising an open shelf with back pierced and carved with archaistic scrollwork, the sides with shaped apron carved with scrolls in low-relief above a gallery pierced with similar archaic scrollwork, the front with similarly carved apron bracket; the lower section with two doors, each comprising a central panel of huamu between panels carved with archaistic dragon-scrolls, rectangular baitong hinges and lockplates, pendant pulls, the front apron carved in low-relief with twining scrolls and beaded edge, the interior with a single shelf, the wood of golden brown (4)

Sotheby's New York, 7th November 1981, lot 292.
Thereafter with the present owners.

assembled of old parts, a few scratches to upper surfaces, moderate wear to extremities, first cabinet with spline along front edge of floating panel of shelf, repaired break to the join of one back lower corner, small repaired break to upper corner joint of one apron bracket, splines along front and back edge of bottom of upper cabinet and below pierced back panel, baitong lock clasps slightly bent; second cabinet with repairs to upper and lower edges of back panel, small loss to join between apron and gallery on side, repair to join of upper back corner, spline along back of shelf, aprons under galleries with small losses, crack to one gallery, lower section generally good, one lock clasp replaced, both slightly bent, screw reinforcement on back of mount, not visible on display, mousehole to interior back bottom, related later loss at bottom back in interior
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.