A Huanghuali Recessed-Leg Table, Qiaotouan 17th/18th Century

the panelled rectangular top with 'ice-plate' edge terminating in everted flanges, above a plain apron carved and pierced with 'cloud-collar' scrolls at the spandrels, the square-section legs secured by two pairs of cross braces

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

The recessed leg table is in good condition with the exception of a 5 by 5cm., irregularly-shaped patch to the top surface, repaired breaks to the spandrels, a replaced fillet to the top of one leg by the spandrel, light scratches to the top surface and minor surface 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."

Carved with everted flanges and cloud-shaped spandrels that enhance the attractive grain pattern of the luminous huanghuali, this recessed-leg table represents one of the most successful designs in Chinese furniture. Tables of this type were produced with straight or raised ends and of varying lengths, from ample surfaces for painting and viewing large handscrolls, such as this piece, to small highly mobile side tables. The pleasing proportions of this design achieved through the balance between curvilinear and rectilinear elements allowed for such a variety of adaptations.

This design is known from as early as the Song dynasty (960-1279), when tables with bridle and tenon joints, a continuous apron with small spandrels, and double stretchers at the sides were produced. Two tables of this type are depicted on the painting Cun tong nao xue tu [Country boys playing class], attributed to the Song dynasty and illustrated in Wang Shixiang, ‘Development of Furniture Design and Construction from the Song to the Ming’, Chinese Furniture. Selected Articles from Orientations 1984-1999, Hong Kong, 1999, p. 55, pl. 35.

A huanghuali table of this design with everted flanges, from the collection of Henry Vetch is illustrated in Gustav Ecke, Chinese Domestic Furniture, Rutland, 1962, pl. 45; and another was included in the catalogue Ming Furniture, Ming Furniture Ltd, Boca Raton, 1987, cat. no. 2. Compare also an earlier version of this design illustrated in Wang Shixiang, op. cit., p. 52, pl. 25.