A pair of Small Hardwood Tapered Cabinets (Yuanjiaogui)

each slightly tapered rectangular cabinet with rounded corners and stiles, the top slightly overhanging the twin doors with recessed panels, divided by a central stile, arched beaded aprons, doors with baitong mounts with pendant pulls, the wood of rich reddish-brown (2)

The Collection of Ambassador and Mrs. Robert C. Strong (until 28th June 1984).
Christie's New York, 28th June 1984, lot 158.
Thereafter with the present owners.

cabinets extensively restored, aprons probably replaced, inset panels in tops probably of a later date, backing and bottom of a later date, shelfs later, underside of one top with hole to burl at side, patches on back legs, sides of one cabinet with vertical age cracks, front horizontal rail with 2 by 1 1/2 inch patch, front right stile with filled crack near base of door; second cabinet with one filled knot on each door, one side panel with vertical age cracks, left door with repair to pivot pin; both cabinets with losses to lacquer on interior, reverse of doors each with a 1 1/2 inch horizontal patch spanning the width of the doors, not visible on the exteriors
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.

Cabinets of this form -- with their understated elegance deriving from the simplicity of line, highlighting the grain and beauty of the wood, and subtle taper to the sides, giving them a sense of lift and airiness -- have been popular for at least 500 years. A miniature cabinet, excavated from a tomb dated to 1589, is illustrated in Sarah Handler, Austere Luminosity of Chinese Classical Furniture, Hong Kong, 2001, fig. 15.15, p. 253. For a cabinet of this form with huamu door panels, see Robert Hatfield Ellsworth, Chinese Furniture, Hardwood Examples of the Ming and Early Ch'ing Dynasties, New York, 1970, fig. 122, p. 207. See also two cabinets illustrated in Robert D. Jacobsen with Nicholas Grindley, Classical Chinese Furniture in the Minneapolis Institute of Arts, Minneapolis, 1999, nos. 51, 52, pp. 148-151.

Compare a pair of cabinets of similar form and scale but on lower feet, from the Collection of Mr. George P. Pickford, sold in these rooms, 11th April 1986, lot 374. Another similar pair was sold in these rooms, 18th September 1996, lot 306.