A rectangular mother-of-pearl inlaid black lacquer wine table, jiuzuo Ming Dynasty, Wanli Period

consisting of a rectangular top with a floating panel set in a beaded frame with double-moulded edges, resting on a beaded cusped apron with traces of gilding extending to rectangular sectioned legs, each gently flaring to leaves, pad and extending supports at the feet, the shape imitating an imperial sword (Shang Fang Bao Jian), further secured by two sets of rectangular stretchers between the legs with moulding on all corners, covered overall in a black lacquer with a fine dusting of mother-of-pearl flecks imbedded throughout, the underside lacquered in red

The wine table is in a remarkable condition with the original lacquered surface, expected chips and age cracks; losses of the sprinkled mother-of-pearl particular on the table top due to age and usage, but traces of gold still visible on the unique beaded borders along the edges, aprons and legs.
"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. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

A very close Wanli mark and period example in the Palace Museum in Bejing has carved dragons on the apron filled-in with crushed mother-of-pearl and reserved on a mother-of-pearl ground, and is illustrated in Furniture of the Ming and Qing Dynasties (I)The Complete Collection of Treasures of the Palace Museum, Hong Kong 2002, p. 128, no. 108 (fig. 1).  Another similar lacquer wine table, once in the Rothchild Collection, the Roger Vivier Collection, and the Rockefeller Collection, is illustrated in Christopher Bruckner's Treasures from Temples and Palaces, vol. 2, 2005, cat. no. 10.  Also compare a slightly taller zitan table with similarly shaped apron in the Palace Museum, Beijing, illustrated in The 200 Objects You Should Know. Red Sandalwood Furniture, Beijing, 2008, pl. 73; and another huanghuali example in the Honolulu Academy of Arts, included in the exhibition Chinese Hardwood Furniture in Hawaiian Collections, Honolulu Academy of Arts, Honolulu, 1982, cat. no. 13.