十七 / 十八世紀 黃花梨平頭案

the top of standard miter, mortise and tenon construction, with two board floating panel supported by four dovetailed transverse stretchers, the edge of the frame gently molded, the slightly splayed rectangular-section legs double tenoned into the top and cut to house the shaped spandreled apron, each pair of legs joined on the shorter sides with square-section stretchers

Evelyn Tam，舊金山，1980年代

The top panel with numerous patch repairs. The table has a number of filed and patched repairs to legs and joints. The surface with expected wear.
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 classic form of the present table has historically been referred to a 'character one' table type. The Chinese word for 'one' is written as a single horizontal stroke giving a graphic image of this type of very linear table. The descriptive term of  'character one table type' (yi zi zhou shi) is taken from the Wanli period edition of the Lu Ban jing jiang jia jing, (The Classic of Lu Ban and the Craftsman's Mirror), named after the mythical patron of the carpenter's craft and containing information on architectural woodwork and the making of furniture.

Tables of this form and of this size were designed as surfaces on which to paint, practice calligraphy or perhaps play the qin. The height, depth and absence of high stretchers would allow an artist adequate space and the ability to stand or sit and use the brush on a paper or silk surface. Compare a huanghuali table sold in these rooms, 19th March 2013, lot 466 and another in our Hong Kong rooms, 5th October 2011, lot 2107.