A Huanghuali Solid-Top Altar Table, Qiaotouan Qing Dynasty, 18th Century

the solid rectangular top terminating in everted flanges, above a plain beaded apron extending into simple C-shaped scrolls at the spandrels, the square-section legs secured by two pairs of cross braces divided by a recessed open panel and above a cusped apron

Purchased from Hei Hung-Lu, Hong Kong, late 1980s/early 1990s.

The altar table is in good condition with the exception of patching to the top back section of one leg, possible replacement of both internal aprons, a small patch to one spandrel, a 12cm., wide max patch to the side of one end of the top (4.5cm. long narrow visible section to the top surface) and minor surface scratches and wear commensurate with age.
"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 sturdy and elegant form. While both the table top and apron were made from single pieces of wood, a sense of movement and lightness is captured through the finely beaded edges and the open side panels. Furthermore, the rounded upturned-ends heighten its presence, while also serving the function of concealing the end grains of the top plank. Commonly known in the West as altar tables, tables of this type were highly versatile and served as surfaces for calligraphy, painting and the display of treasured antiques. They were also used as domestic altar tables, usually placed in front of a larger rectangular table, as seen in the arrangement of the ancestral hall of the Zhu family in Quanzhou, Fujian province, photographed by Gustav Ecke in 1927, and illustrated in his Chinese Domestic Furniture, Rutland, 1962, pl. 161.

A similar rectangular table fashioned with upturned ends and open side panels, in the collection of Walter Fuchs, is illustrated ibid., pl. 61; one of slightly smaller size, in the Palace Museum, Beijing, is published in A Treasury of Ming and Qing Dynasty Palace Furniture, Beijing, 2007, vol. 1, pl. 309; another was sold in our London rooms, 4^th May 1984, lot 63; and a third was sold in our New York rooms, 13^th October 1984, lot 391. Tables of this type are also known with legs fitted on trestles, such as one illustrated in Wang Shixiang, Classic Chinese Furniture. Ming and Early Qing Dynasties, London, 1986, pl. 103; and another sold in our New York rooms, 19^th/20^th October 1988, lot 553.