十七世紀 黃花梨倭角方凳一對

each of quatrilobe section, the rattan cane seat framed by a foliate frame with notched corners, supported on a waist and a plain rounded apron, the elegantly bowed legs following the vertical line of the indented corners from the seat and curving down to the tapered high-hoofed feet, further excentuated by the continuous beaded frame on the edges from the apron to the tips of the feet, the wood of a rich warm golden colour

安思遠，《洪氏所藏木器百圖》，紐約，1996年，頁50-51，編號5

The overall condition is good. There are some minor filled repairs and a single vertical patch to the exterior of one leg and an old path repair to the 'knot' on one of the frames. The transverse stretchers have been replaced. All joints have been consolidated and there is the usual wear and some small chips to the feet.
"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."

框架和凳面呈長方形倭角、鼓腿、雙內翻馬蹄足，以黃花梨木把特徵表現至最佳效果，令這對黃花梨凳與眾不同。

鼓腿上弧形牙板在坐具中甚為罕見。凳子多為方形，較穩。此對凳造型雄壯，充滿動感，設計巧妙地營造了視覺上的錯覺。巧作雙鼓腿，乍看尤如疊置對凳，實則為一。

能造成幻覺的中國家具多是以材質的模擬和偽裝，如黃花梨木經雕刻可以仿竹、髹漆可仿織品或利用巧妙的設計仿擬其他材質。此對凳有異於以上幾種，設計甚具玩味，令人會想如何把它們分開、怎麼做的、什麼時候發明的問題。工匠利用巧妙的設計引起人們的遐思，匠心可鑑。

Marcus Flacks，《Classical Chinese Furniture： A Very Personal Point of View》，倫敦，2011年，頁106 -107著有一例，另一例同樣作上馬蹄足的半圓桌，同上註，頁248-249，或頁244-245的方桌。