A CARVED HARDWOOD 'DRAGON AND CLOUD' TABLE QING DYNASTY

well-proportioned, the rectangular top made of two boards and supported on a constricted waist, all above a straight apron moulded with stylised ruyi-shaped edges and angular scroll 'feet', the sides of the top bordered with a band comprising interlinked wan symbols, above archaistic geometric designs including petal lappets and mythical beast masks encircling the waist, the protruding apron intricately carved in varying levels of relief with ferocious dragons with scaly bodies writhing sinuously amidst ruyi-shaped clouds, the square-section legs each terminating in a palmette leaf at the bottom

As visible in the catalogue photo, the colour and patina of the table top is different to the waist and legs. It is possible that the table is a composite of two different pieces, assembled in antiquity. The upper table top has a particularly attractive rich purplish-brown There are markings and scratches to the top of the table. Age cracks and shrinkage throughout.
"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."

Dynamically carved with dragons in pursuit of 'flaming pearls', this table combines a traditional Chinese motif with European decorative features, such as its waisted form and leaf-shaped feet which may derive from the Rococo style. Compare a waisted table carved overall with dragons and clouds, made for the wedding of the Tongzhi Emperor (1856-1875), illustrated in Hu Desheng, A Treasury of Ming and Qing Dynasty Palace Furniture, vol. 1, Palace Museum, Beijing, 2007, pl. 248, together with a table, carved on the apron with a similar composition of dragons chasing a flaming pearl, but with plain legs, pl. 255.

Two incense stands embellished with similar upward-scrolling feet, in the Palace Museum, Beijing, are illustrated in The Complete Collection of Treasures of the Palace Museum. Furniture of the Ming and Qing Dynasties, vol. 2, Beijing, 2002, pls. 152 and 153; and a pair of hardwood stands, from the collection of Marchese Giuseppe Salvago Raggi, was sold in our London rooms, 16th May 2012, lot 141.

Rectangular tables of this type were employed to serve a variety of purposes such as dining when placed in a reception hall, drinking tea and writing when moved in front of the bed, and as desks for scholars and officials when pursuing leisurely activities.