Lot Essay
This is a very fine example of a true altar table made specifically to be used in a temple for a wealthy member of the refined social elite. It is made from large pieces of the best huanghuali and the workmanship is of the highest quality. Sarah Handler, 'Side Tables, a Surface for Treasures and the Gods', Orientations, May 1996, p. 35, fig. 8, illustrates a Qing painting depicting a comparable table in use. Compare, also, the 18th/19th century elmwood example with similar panels in the waist, cabriole legs resting on ball feet and raised on a stand illustrated ibid., p. 37, fig. 10.
For related examples refer to those illustrated by Wang Shixiang, Connoisseurship of Chinese Furniture, vol. II, p. 123, no. B137 and by Ellsworth, Grindley and Christy, op. cit., pp. 132-133, no. 133.
Note especially the treatment of the ornately carved upturned leaf feet which Wang Shixiang, op.cit., p. 101, compares to 15th century architectural details, such as the stone incense burner and wood bell stand from the Fahaisi Temple in Beijing. Given the Zhengtong date for the temple, Wang suggests a mid-15th century date for the altar table itself. Certainly, they are stylistically similar and share a solidity and monumentality which in the case of the table is underlined by the unusually large timbers from which it is constructed, measuring 20cm. x 20cm. in cross section.
A kang table with similar upturned leaf feet is illustrated by Ellsworth, Grindley and Christy, op. cit., p. 113, no. 36; and another kang table with similar feet, from the Museum of Classical Chinese Furniture, was sold in these rooms September 19, 1996, lot 45.
For related examples refer to those illustrated by Wang Shixiang, Connoisseurship of Chinese Furniture, vol. II, p. 123, no. B137 and by Ellsworth, Grindley and Christy, op. cit., pp. 132-133, no. 133.
Note especially the treatment of the ornately carved upturned leaf feet which Wang Shixiang, op.cit., p. 101, compares to 15th century architectural details, such as the stone incense burner and wood bell stand from the Fahaisi Temple in Beijing. Given the Zhengtong date for the temple, Wang suggests a mid-15th century date for the altar table itself. Certainly, they are stylistically similar and share a solidity and monumentality which in the case of the table is underlined by the unusually large timbers from which it is constructed, measuring 20cm. x 20cm. in cross section.
A kang table with similar upturned leaf feet is illustrated by Ellsworth, Grindley and Christy, op. cit., p. 113, no. 36; and another kang table with similar feet, from the Museum of Classical Chinese Furniture, was sold in these rooms September 19, 1996, lot 45.