A MASSIVE CARVED BOXWOOD 'TREE ROOT' INCENSE TABLE QING DYNASTY, 18TH / 19TH CENTURY

created from a large trunk section with a flat table top, the sides carved in openwork with an intricate network of intertwining 'roots' with burls and knots to resemble a natural formation, the wood of a warm golden-brown patina

The overall condition is quite good with a few minor breaks to some of the appendages and chips. There are natural age cracks.
"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."

Made in huangyangmu or boxwood, this piece stands out for its unusually large size. Boxwood grows very slowly which suggests that the stand is of an impressive age. Root furniture, whether natural or contrived, was highly favoured by the literati for its association with nature and frequently appears in genre paintings in various forms including stands, tables and chairs.

See a rootwood stand with a lacquered top, from the collection of Mary and George Bloch and included in the exhibition Arts from the Scholar's Studio, Fung Ping Shan Museum, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, 1986, cat. no. 37, sold in these rooms, 23rd October 2005, lot 36, together with a boxwood double stand similarly carved to resemble a natural root formation, lot 21.  Compare also a stool made of rootwood illustrated in Nancy Berliner, 'When vernacular meets fine: thoughts on Chinese furniture studies', Chinese Furniture. Selected Articles from Orientations 1984-1999, Hong Kong, 2000, p. 211.