A HUANGHUALI RECESSED-LEG BENCH, DATIAODENG

17TH CENTURY

Details

A HUANGHUALI RECESSED-LEG BENCH, DATIAODENG
17th century
Of robust proportions, the rectangular soft mat surface set within a wide, molded frame above a plain apron with shaped spandrels, supported on recessed legs of rectangular section with 'nail curved' rounded front and terminating in slightly flared out-turned feet, joined by double struts with straight edged tops and bottoms, and rounded sides
20in. (50.8cm.) high, 76 3/8in. (194cm.) wide, 23½in. (59.7cm.)

Lot Essay

This form is sometimes called a 'spring bench' (chundeng), with similar connotations to the Western 'love seat'. The slightly flared feet of the present bench lend a relaxed stance. Compare a smaller huanghuali bench with similar feet illustrated by C. Evarts, A Leisurely Pursuit: Splendid Hardwood Antiquities from the Liang Yi Collection, Hong Kong, 2000, pp. 56-57, no. 6. See, also, a slightly larger bench with shallow ruyi-carved details on the spandrels, the property of Dr. Otto Burchard, illustrated by G. Ecke, Chinese Domestic Furniture, Rutland, Vermont and Tokyo, 1962, pl. 56.

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