A Rare 'Huanghuali' Recessed-Leg Table (Xiaohua'an) Ming Dynasty

the rectangular top with floating panel and molded edge over plain arched apron and bracket spandrels, the slightly splayed legs of circular section, the sides with twin horizontal stretchers of circular section, constructed in such a manner that it may be easily disassembled, the wood of a warm light reddish-brown

A West Coast Collection (until 1982).
Christie's New York, 23rd June 1982, lot 484.
Thereafter with the present owners.

overall good visual condition, a few minor surface scratches and dings, 4 inch filled crack to one end of top, filled mortise to underside of one side apron, 2 by 3 inch patch to underside of one transverse stretcher to top, wear and a few filled cracks to feet, 1/4 inch filled hole to underside of one side stretcher, apron at one end possibly of a later date, 2 inch end panel to top possibly later
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.

The form of the present lot may be considered one of the most 'classic' of Chinese furniture types, with known examples dating back to the Song period, and examples made through the present day. For other tables of this form, see Wang Shixiang, Connoisseurship of Chinese Furniture, Ming and Early Qing Dynasties, Hong Kong, 1990, Vol. II, no. B81, p. 96, and a table, attributed to the late 16th / early 17th century illustrated in Grace Wu Bruce, Dreams of Chu Tan Chamber and the Romance with Huanghuali Wood, The Dr. S. Y. Yip Collection of Classic Chinese Furniture, Hong Kong, 1991, no. 22, pp. 66-67. 

The present table is also notable for its construction, which allows it to be easily disassembled for travel or storage. For another table of different form, also constructed for easy disassembly, see Yip Shing Yu et al, Chan Chair and Qin Bench, The Dr. S. Y. Yip Collection of Classic Chinese Furniture II, Hong Kong, 1998, no. 18, pp. 94-95.   Compare also a similar table, constructed so the legs may be removed and the aprons folded under the top, attributed to the 17th century, sold in these rooms, 1st June 1994, lot 515.