A HUANGHUALI LOW TABLE, KANGZHUO QING DYNASTY, 18TH/19TH CENTURY

the rectangular double panelled top above the scrolled beaded apron on cabriole legs terminating in pad feet

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

The front outer framing plank to the top is a replacement and there is also some shrinkage to the panels and a 23cm long split to the top, as well as a circular water stain. There is a repair to the front right leg half way down and a repair to the front left foot and part of the leg above and a 1cm by 1.5cm chip. There is a vertical split to the back left leg (23cm). It is likely that the top section is a marriage with the lower section (aprons and legs).
"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."

Elegantly constructed with a curvilinear beaded apron and cabriole legs, rectangular tables of this type are commonly referred to as kang, from the homonymous hollow brick platform heated with hot air through a stove which provided a warm surface in Chinese households. A slightly smaller kang table, carved on the apron with a related motif, was sold in these rooms, 2nd May 1985, lot 1; another, from the collections of Dr Isaac Newton and Mr and Mrs Howard K. Lee, was sold in our New York rooms, 25th April 1987, lot 477; and a third was sold at Christie’s New York, 5th December 1982, lot 560. See also a kang with similar claw-shaped feet, illustrated in Wang Shixiang, Classic Chinese Furniture, London, 1986, pl. 63; and another sold in these rooms, 9th June 1992, lot 46.