- 108
A ZITAN MIRROR STAND LATE MING DYNASTY
Estimate
180,000 - 280,000 HKD
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Description
- zitan (pterocarpus santalinus)
of rectangular section, the hinged mirror stand reticulated with plain rectangular and square panels, the ends of the top rail carved with a pair of confronting dragons' heads
Exhibited
Denver Art Museum, Denver, 1997-99.
Freer Gallery of Art and Arthur M. Sackler Gallery, Smithsonian Institution, Washington D.C., 1997-2001.
Grace Wu Bruce, Chan Chair and Qin Bench: The Dr. S. Y. Yip Collection of Classic Chinese Furniture II, Art Museum, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, 1998, cat. no. 66, pp. 188-189.
The Dr. S.Y. Yip Collection of Classic Chinese Furniture, The Macao Museum of Art, Macau, 2003, pp. 40-41.
Freer Gallery of Art and Arthur M. Sackler Gallery, Smithsonian Institution, Washington D.C., 1997-2001.
Grace Wu Bruce, Chan Chair and Qin Bench: The Dr. S. Y. Yip Collection of Classic Chinese Furniture II, Art Museum, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, 1998, cat. no. 66, pp. 188-189.
The Dr. S.Y. Yip Collection of Classic Chinese Furniture, The Macao Museum of Art, Macau, 2003, pp. 40-41.
Condition
General surface wear and bruising, including an insignificant crack to the lower back rail.
"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."
"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."
Catalogue Note
"A mirror stand carved with dragon's heads made of precious zitan. Fit for a king!"
This is a mirror stand of classic design similar to those depicted in numerous Ming paintings. This piece, fashioned in zitan, is very rare among surviving examples. The lattice panel with the top rail ornamented with heads of dragons and the back support both have extended dowels that fit into sockets in the base frame, allowing them to operate on a hinge mechanism and collapse flat into the frame when not in use. There is a removable lotus-leaf shaped support where the mirror would rest.
Emma Bunker, 'Chinese Treasures in the Denver Art Museum', Orientations, February 1993, p. 34 illustrates a similar huanghuali example in the collection of the Denver Art Museum.