A FINELY CARVED ZITAN TABLE QING DYNASTY, QIANLONG PERIOD

the rectangular top made of five boards supported by three braces on the underside, resting on a constricted waist and an apron pierced with angular spandrels on the corners of the squared-section legs terminating in scroll-hoof feet, finely carved overall in low relief, the side rails with a key-fret band, the waist pierced with interlocking rings above a swelling band detailed with cresting waves, all above the apron with stylised ruyi scrolls and studded with bosses extending along the outer surfaces of the legs, the wood of a dark brown colour

Yamanaka & Co.

As visible in the catalogue photo, the surface of the table top is comprised of two sections of wood of a different colour and pagination to the rest of the table, possibly because the routine varnishing and treatment over the years did not extend to that inner area. Viewing the table from the underside, it is possible to see several areas of restoration, re-fixing and replacing minor breaks, and stabilising fragile areas. There has particular care to the fragile side rails, with restoration to breaks, and adhesive used to re-fix parts. ‎There has also been minor restoration at the corners, where the tops of the legs meet the apron, to stabilise gaps and surface cracks. There are still several minor losses and bruises at the corners of the apron just below the table top. Other minor surface wear and cracks. Additional photos of the damage are available‎ upon request.
"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."

This table is notable for its meticulous carving and finely finished surface which draws out the lustrous tone of the wood. Tables of this type were often made in sets of four to allow for a symmetrical placement within a large hall, a formal arrangement particularly fashionable during the Qing dynasty. They were also placed in bedrooms next to the large canopied bed to provide a platform to lean on, as writing and painting surfaces in a studio, or in private chambers where they were used for private and informal meals.

See four zitan rectangular tables carved on the apron with a related archaistic design, but with various decoration around the waist, in the Palace Museum, Beijing, illustrated in A Treasury of Ming and Qing Dynasty Palace Furniture from the Palace Museum Collection, vol. 1, Beijing, 2007, pls. 203, 221, 223 and 225, the first carved in openwork on the waist with twisted cords and jade-like bi disks, the second with a cloud pattern, and the third and fourth moulded. Compare also a huanghuali table carved with a related geometric design of diamonds included ibid., pl. 210; and another sold in our New York rooms, 3rd June 1992, lot 358.