Lot Essay
Not only is the design of this bookcase uncommon, it is also very rare to find this combination of huanghuali with wumu, of which very few examples remain
Details
A HUANGHUALI AND WUMU FOUR-SHELF BOOKCASE, JIAGE
LATE 17TH/EARLY 18TH CENTURY
Of rectangular shape, the square members of the frame holding four shelves, the upper three with removable side and back rails attached by loose tenons, each back rail comprising a huanghuali frame divided by vertical struts into three sections, all with a wumu (ebony) inner frame enclosing lozenge-shaped braces, the side rails similarly constructed, the second shelf forming the top of the wumu drawers, with metal pulls of hu vessel form, the lowest undecorated shelf above the plain apron with apron-head spandrels, the feet with metal fittings, the black wumu forming a striking contrast with the reddish huanghuali, some restoration to the back feet
77 1/8in. (196cm.) high, 43¼in. (110cm.) wide, 18 7/8in. (48cm.) deep
LATE 17TH/EARLY 18TH CENTURY
Of rectangular shape, the square members of the frame holding four shelves, the upper three with removable side and back rails attached by loose tenons, each back rail comprising a huanghuali frame divided by vertical struts into three sections, all with a wumu (ebony) inner frame enclosing lozenge-shaped braces, the side rails similarly constructed, the second shelf forming the top of the wumu drawers, with metal pulls of hu vessel form, the lowest undecorated shelf above the plain apron with apron-head spandrels, the feet with metal fittings, the black wumu forming a striking contrast with the reddish huanghuali, some restoration to the back feet
77 1/8in. (196cm.) high, 43¼in. (110cm.) wide, 18 7/8in. (48cm.) deep
Literature
Curtis Evarts, "Recent Acquisitions and Projects of the Museum of Classical Chinese Furniture", Orientations, January 1992, p. 86, fig. 2
Wang Shixiang, "Jianyue Minglian" ("The Beauty of Ming Furniture") GWY, May 1993, no. 122, p. 10
Wang Shixiang, "The Museum of Classical Chinese Furniture in California", JCCFS, Autumn 1993, p. 52, no. 8
Sarah Handler, "Cabinets and Shelves Containing All Things in China", JCCFS, Winter 1993, p. 26, fig. 31
Wang et al., Masterpieces from the Museum of Classical Chinese Furniture, p. 122, no. 57
Wang Shixiang, "Jianyue Minglian" ("The Beauty of Ming Furniture") GWY, May 1993, no. 122, p. 10
Wang Shixiang, "The Museum of Classical Chinese Furniture in California", JCCFS, Autumn 1993, p. 52, no. 8
Sarah Handler, "Cabinets and Shelves Containing All Things in China", JCCFS, Winter 1993, p. 26, fig. 31
Wang et al., Masterpieces from the Museum of Classical Chinese Furniture, p. 122, no. 57