A HUANGHUALI TWO-DRAWER COFFER, LIANERCHU QING DYNASTY, 18TH/19TH CENTURY

the rectangular single panelled top, set with everted flanges to either short end, over shaped spandrels flanking two drawers, each framed with a scrolling edge panel, over a wide panel and scrolled beaded apron, on straight legs of rounded section, the square brass lockplates with bail handles

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

This coffer is in good condition, but there is some minor shrinkage and scratches to surface of the plank. The top 4cm of each of the drawers may be later repairs. There is an area of semi-circular discolouration/fading to each side and it is likely that these parts are made up from old door panels. There is a small repair to the bottom of the back left foot.
"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."

This attractive coffer is notable for its sturdy yet elegant appearance, and a sense of lightness has been created through the finely carved spandrels, apron and the rounded upturned ends. Known in the West as altar coffers and in China as lianerchu, these tables were commonly kept in women’s quarters where they were used to hold cosmetics and accessories, and were part of a woman’s dowry. Tables of this classic design were made from the Ming dynasty onwards, as seen in a woodblock print depicting a related example, from the 15th century text Lu Ban jing (Manuscript of Lu Ban) and illustrated in Klaas Ruitenbeek, ‘An Early Treatise on Furniture Making. The Lu Ban Jing’, Chinese Furniture. Selected Articles from Orientations 1984-1999, Hong Kong, 1999, p. 125, pl. 2.

A similar altar coffer with two drawers and upturned ends, but lacking the carved motif on the apron and spandrels, in the Arthur M. Sackler Museum, Washington D.C., was sold in our New York rooms, 16th September 2009, lot 22; one in the Victoria and Albert Museum, London, is illustrated in Craig Clunas, Chinese Furniture, London, 1988, pl. 67; and another is illustrated in Gustav Ecke, Chinese Furniture, Tokyo, 1962, pl. 118. See also an altar coffer of this type, but lacking the upturned ends, from the collection of Robert H. Ellsworth, illustrated in Chinese Furniture. Hardwood Examples of the Ming and Early Ch’ing Dynasties, New York, 1971, pl. 63, and sold at Christie’s New York, 18th March 2015, lot 167.