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 seven drawers behind the two doors below, four flanking two central rectangular ones of varying sizes, each with a metal plate and pull, all above a long one at the bottom with a pair of plates and pulls, the front centred across the cover and front doors with a circular metal plate with lock receptacles and a lobed ruyi-shaped hasp, above a pair of rectangular metal plates with door pulls, flanked on the sides with a pair of metal angular loop-shaped handles, all resting on a slightly larger base of corresponding form, the corners and edges of the cabinet decorated and reinforced with metal strap hinges and ruyi-shaped corner pieces

In good condition. In keeping with its use in a domestic setting there is expected wear and tear, minor bruises and age cracks as expected of late Ming/early Qing furniture.
"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."

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.

This table cabinet is made in precious huanghuali wood throughout including the side panels of the drawers interior. Only the bottom panels are made of tieli wood.

See an example in the Minneapolis Institute of Arts, illustrated in Robert D Jacobsen and Nicolas Grindley, Chinese Furniture in the Minneapolis Institute of Arts, Minneapolis, 1999, pp. 188-189.