AN INLAID HUANGHUALI 'DRAGON' CANTED TOP TABLE CABINET QING DYNASTY, 18TH CENTURY

finely inlaid with an array of multi-coloured hardstones and mother-of-pearl, the removable front cover carved in relief with a ferocious five-clawed dragon writhing amidst clouds and flames in pursuit of a flaming pearl, within a border of beribboned bajixiang and bats, the top with a raised panel enclosing a pavilion scene accented with rockwork and gnarled trees, further surrounded by detached flower sprays around the canted border, two sides embellished with birds and butterflies hovering among flower branches, flanked by a pair of C-shaped handles, set with seven similarly decorated drawers behind the front cover, the straight sides with exposed dovetail joints

The dragon cabinet is preserved in overall good condition. The hardstone and mother of pearl inlays are fragile, and several have been carefully refixed over the years. There has been some consolidation to the corners and underside of the cabinet. The drawers inside are complete, but there has been minor restoration, with drawers glued on to stay stable. The top right drawer is now difficult to fit due to some slight expansion, and would benefit from simple restoration to ensure proper fitting and stability.
"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."

Striking for the intricately carved and inlaid decoration that extends over the entire broad surface, the present piece is unusual for the carefully composed and chosen design rendered in varying levels of depth. It demonstrates the level of creative freedom exercised by Qing craftsmen, who deliberately utilised mother-of-pearl to resemble white clouds, as well as the horns of the five-clawed dragon. The result is striking as the ferocious animal appears as if leaping off the surface of the cabinet. Compare a huanghuali table cabinet with two doors and inlaid with various hardstones and mother-of-pearl, depicting boys at play, from the collection of Philip Ng, illustrated in Karen Mazurkewich, Chinese Furniture. A Guide to Collecting Antiques, Rutland, 2006, pl. 408; and another example, from the collection of Erica Phillips, sold at Christie’s New York, 25th March 2010, lot 815.

Table cabinets of this type, guanpi xiang (official boxes), were used for various functions, such as dressing cases to store toiletries, jewellery and other valuables, as well as on desks for storage of stationary, writing implements and seals.