A MASSIVE 'HUANGHUALI' AND HARDWOOD RECESSED-LEG TABLE (QIAOTOUAN) MING DYNASTY AND LATER |

a long, well figured, single-plank top set with everted ends, supported beneath by four transverse stretchers and a narrow, molded frame with beaded edges, forming a straight apron above boldly carved stylized phoenix-head spandrels, flanking the rectangular-section legs, with rounded fronts, beaded edges, and joined by square-section stretchers enclosing a rectangular openwork beaded-edge panel of vigorously confronting chilong amid scrolling lingzhi, and shaped foliate carved aprons beneath, all supported on elegantly cusped and barbed slab feet

The table with expected wear overall and there has been overall consolidation, filled and patch repairs, likely replacements to sections of the spandrels and openwork panels, and the slab feet. 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.

The form of the present table is described in Wen Zhenheng's Treatise on Superfluous Things, the late 17th century guide to good taste, as a bizhuo or side table to be placed against a wall and used for display a set with items of religious or ceremonial significance. Although the author also decried the use of excessive carving, the lively openwork of the panels is effectively balanced by the long board top and elegant simplicity of the apron and spandrels.   Examples of qiaotouan with splayed feet are in several museums such as the Nelson-Atkins Museum, Kansas City and the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York. This form is discussed and illustrated in Wang Shixiang, Connoisseurship of Chinese Furniture, Hong Kong, 1989, nos. B86-7. A very similar table of tielimu is illustrated in Hu Desheng, A Treasury of Ming & Qing Dynasty Palace Furniture, vol. I, Beijing, 2007, pl. 306.