Lot Essay
By tradition, purchased in Beijing in 1933
THE PROPERTY OF A GENTLEMAN
AN UNUSUAL CARVED HUALI PEDESTAL DESK
Details
AN UNUSUAL CARVED HUALI PEDESTAL DESK
18TH CENTURY
The rectangular top of the upper demountable section with two panels within the wide frame, above a row of three drawers with front panels overlapping two separating posts and meeting to form a continuous band carved in high relief with a lotus scroll design set with three brass pulls shaped as insects suspended from flowerhead escutcheons, the sides with similarly carved panels, the lower section comprising two pedestals, each with a single forward-opening door carved in high relief with flowering peony scrolls centered with a large open peony head, the large side panel similarly carved (top scratched, one side panel of the upper section cracked)
33in. (84cm.) high, 51in. (129.5cm.) wide, 26¾in. (67.5cm.) deep
18TH CENTURY
The rectangular top of the upper demountable section with two panels within the wide frame, above a row of three drawers with front panels overlapping two separating posts and meeting to form a continuous band carved in high relief with a lotus scroll design set with three brass pulls shaped as insects suspended from flowerhead escutcheons, the sides with similarly carved panels, the lower section comprising two pedestals, each with a single forward-opening door carved in high relief with flowering peony scrolls centered with a large open peony head, the large side panel similarly carved (top scratched, one side panel of the upper section cracked)
33in. (84cm.) high, 51in. (129.5cm.) wide, 26¾in. (67.5cm.) deep