A 'HUANGHUALI' CORNER-LEG LOW TABLE (ZHUO) QING DYNASTY, 18TH CENTURY

the top of standard miter, mortise and tenon frame construction with a two-board, flush, tongue-and-grooved, floating rectangular panel supported by three dovetailed transverse stretchers, the molded edge of the frame with a groove in the center and and tapering inward to end in a narrow flat band, all above the recessed waist and the curvilinear, beaded-edged apron, made of one piece of wood and exquisitely carved with intertwining foliate motifs and confronting chilong, half-lapped onto and mortised and tennoned into the legs, the upper section of each full leg in the shape of a short cabriole leg, joined to the apron by scrollwork spandrels, continuing to the cylindrical lower section of each leg

Collection of Troy L. Perkins (1905-1995), Kentucky, acquired while serving as a United States Vice Consul to China, circa 1940.

The table has been significantly reduced in height. The top with a long slender patch repair most likely due to shrinkage. Each foot with a small central circular aperture at the base. The joinery is a bit loose. There has been previous consolidation with glue to the joints. One leg with two splits to the inside where it meets the frame. There is general wear to the surface and the expected minor repairs and replacements consistent with age and use. Please note that this lot will require a CITES permit for export outside of the United States.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Inspired by the detachable Summer-Winter tables, this rare design is found in both square and half-table formats. Unlike the dual usage Summer-Winter tables, the kangzhuo section is fanciful, an appealing concept that necessitated a lavish amount of expensive hardwood and allowed the carvers an opportunity to display their joinery and decorative skills. For a Summer-Winter table see the example from the Dr. S. Y. Yip collection sold in our Hong Kong rooms, 7th October 2015, lot 118. Both a square and half-table form examples are illustrated in The Complete Collection of Treasures of the Palace Museum, Furniture of the Ming and Qing Dynasties, vol. 1, pls 74 (square) and 85 (half). The half-table example in the Palace Collection, Beijing features the same decorative motifs and is of a similar width to the present example which has been reduced in height.