A Small 'Baitong'-Mounted 'Huanghuali' Seal Chest (Guanpixiang) Qing Dynasty, 18th Century

the rectangular case with lift lid cover over twin doors on a low base, baitong mounts in the form of ruyi-heads at the corners, lobed clasp-plate and rectangular hinges to the front and back, bail handles at the sides, the case opening to an upper compartment over four short and one long drawer with baitong pendant pulls, the vividly-grained wood of a rich reddish-brown

Fred McLean Burger (until 1984).
Christie's New York, 30th November 1984, lot 579.

baitong mounts somewhat oxidized, scattered minor scratches to surface, minor repairs to back edge of lid, hinges loose, small repair to upper corner of back, a few small age cracks, fill to join of plinth and case along one short side and associated mitre joint, repaired cracks to upper front corners of sides below lid, 3 small spots on one door, two small square blind mitises to interior of upper compartment, minor warping to drawers, minor repair to corner of one drawer, wear to surface of base
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.

A similar chest is illustrated in Wang Shixiang and Curtis Evarts, Masterpieces from the Museum of Classical Chinese Furniture, Hong Kong, 1995, no. 66, pp. 140-141. Compare also the example, with simple round clasp-plate, illustrated in Robert D. Jacobsen with Nicholas Grindley, Classical Chinese Furniture in the Minneapolis Institute of Arts, Minneapolis, 1999, no. 68, pp. 188-189. Compare a similar chest with lobed circular mounts, attributed to the 17th century, and another with square and lobed mounts, attributed to the 17th/18th century, sold at Christie's New York, 16th September 1999, lots 68 and 60.