清十九世紀 木三曲香几 「靁章」、「吳雲私印」、「平齋晚號退樓」印

skilfully carved from a single wood block with an opening through the centre, carved to form two display surfaces raised to different heights and divided by an indented channel, resting on four feet projecting from curving legs, signed with three seal impressions reading Lei zhang, Wuyun si yin and Pingzhai wan hao Tuilou respectively, the wood patinated to a warm reddish-brown colour

This stand bears the seal of Wu Yun (1811-1883), also known as Pingzhai and Tuilou, a juren and official from Anhui province, who lived in Suzhou. He was appointed several official positions, including Magistrate of Suzhou Prefecture, however his official career was not smooth. Eventually, he retired to Suzhou and built a private garden, which he named Ting Feng Yuan (Garden Where One Listens to Maple Trees). During his life time, Wu Yun built a remarkable collection of archaic bronzes, seals, painting and calligraphy. He is said to have owned a collection of two hundred pieces related to the Lanting Xu [Preface of the orchid pavilion], composed by the celebrated scholar Wang Xizhi (301 -363).