A Huanghuali Corner-Leg Table, Tiaozhuo Late Ming Dynasty

the panelled rectangular top supported on a straight waist and beaded apron, the long elegant beaded square-section legs terminating in hoof feet

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

The table is in very good condition with the exception of light ink stains to the single panel top, minor nicks to the beaded edge of the apron, small areas of patching to the bottom of the legs 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."

The simple form of this table highlights the rich colour and attractive natural patterns of the grain of the wood. This table is unusual as tables of this size are more commonly found with stretchers or spandrels to support the structure and weight of objects it would hold. Compare a table in the Arthur M. Sackler Gellery, Smithsonian Institution, Washington D.C., placed in a reconstruction of a scholar’s studio, published in Sarah Handler, Austere Luminosity of Chinese Classical Furniture, Berkeley, 2001, p. 21, fig. 1.13.

 

Long tables such as the present are known as tiaozhuo and would have been used in the scholar’s studio as its length and absence of stretchers would have been suitable for sitting at a chair for the creation and admiration of scroll paintings whilst holding books, brush holders and other scholar’s objects. The present table is a particularly attractive example of the sense of grandeur captured by the simple forms and tapering legs which culminate at horse hoof feet.