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Lot Essay
Scales were essential for use in the Ming dynasty when silver was the main form of currency. Large balance stands could be found in shops, such as in a silk shop illustrated in a 17th century woodblock print from the Jin Ping Mei (The Golden Lotus) (fig. 1), but also used by wealthy families, where scales were used for the administration of the household.
A Ming dynasty hump-back balance stand of almost the same size and very similarly carved standing spandrels is kept in the collection at Prince Gong's Palace, Beijing, illustrated by Gu Changjiang et al., Selected Chinese Classic Furniture at the Prince Gong's Palace, Beijing, 2008, no. 78 (fig. 2). A closely related huanghuali balance stand from the Raymond Hung Collection was sold at Christie’s New York, 22-23 March 2018, lot 949. Another related balance stand made of zitan wood was sold at Christie's New York, The Marie Theresa L. Virata Collection of Asian Art: A Family Legacy, 16 March 2017, lot 645.
A Ming dynasty hump-back balance stand of almost the same size and very similarly carved standing spandrels is kept in the collection at Prince Gong's Palace, Beijing, illustrated by Gu Changjiang et al., Selected Chinese Classic Furniture at the Prince Gong's Palace, Beijing, 2008, no. 78 (fig. 2). A closely related huanghuali balance stand from the Raymond Hung Collection was sold at Christie’s New York, 22-23 March 2018, lot 949. Another related balance stand made of zitan wood was sold at Christie's New York, The Marie Theresa L. Virata Collection of Asian Art: A Family Legacy, 16 March 2017, lot 645.