A SMALL HUANGHUALI EIGHT DRAWER CABINET 17TH/18TH CENTURY

the square cornered cabinet with two matching doors, set with baitong hinges and rectangular face plates, opening to reveal a series of eight drawers in four tiers, all supported on a rectangular base, strengthened with baitong mounts to the corners

Collection of Dr J.H. Zeeman, Charge d'Affaires, Embassy of the Netherlands, Beijing 1954-1957.
Thence by descent.

This cabinet is in reasonably good condition, but does have an area of old repair to the right hand door where a 4mm infill of wood has been placed, which has created small gaps to the left hand sides of the hinges. There is a 6cm split to the lower right side and one running under the lower hinge to the left hand side 4.8cm. There is a vertical split to the full length of the left side of the back and a 9cm vertical crack running from the centre. There is also a 15cm by 8mm repair to the top of the back left side and an inserted piece 6mm wide to the back right side. There is a small replaced section of metal mount to the back right corner of the top and an area of the front left mount has come slightly away from the body. One of the small metal drawer pulls to the interior is missing. The surface has a good original patina, but does have some minor scratches.
"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."

Compare a similar chest with drawers, from the collection of Professor Yang Tsung-han, illustrated in Gustav Ecke, Chinese Domestic Furniture, Tokyo, 1962, pl. 136, no. 108, together with a larger example, from the collection of Dr R.J.C. Hoeppli, pl. 135, no. 107; and another larger chest from the collection of Robert Hatfield Ellsworth, sold in our New York rooms, 30th March 2006, lot 118.