A HUANGHUALI TABLE CABINET LATE MING / EARLY QING DYNASTY

of rectangular form, the cabinet constructed with plain straight sides, the cover hinged on the back of the box and opening to reveal a tray-like compartment, above four small and one long rectangular drawers set behind the two doors, the front embellished at the centre across the cover and the front doors with a circular huangtong lock plate set with a lobed ruyi-shaped clasp, above a pair of hinged pulls on the doors, the sides flanked by a pair of 'C'-shaped huangtong loop handles suspending from floral roundels, all resting on a slightly larger cusped base of corresponding form, the corners decorated and reinforced with applied huangtong mounts

The table cabinet is in overall good condition. There are minor bruises and scratches as expected of an item of this size that has been used in a domestic setting. There are minor scratches and losses to the fragile base. Interior: Minor areas of shrinkage are visible.
"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 table cabinet is made in precious huanghuali wood throughout. The lid opens to reveal a tray-like compartment and there are five drawers behind the two doors below. The base is carved to form a curvilinear silhouette. The metalware is made of huangtong hinges, plates and pulls.

These table cabinets were used as dressing cases by both men and women to store toiletries, jewellery and other valuables. They were also used on desks for the storage of stationery, writing implements and seals. These pieces are called guanpi xiang, official boxes, but in fact, their construction is more like a cabinet than a box.

For a similar example in the Minneapolis Institute of Arts, see Robert D Jacobsen and Nicholas Grindley, Chinese Furniture in the Minneapolis Institute of Arts, Minneapolis, 1999, pp. 188-189.