Details
A RARE CARVED IMPERIAL HUANGHUALI TABLE-TOP CHEST, GUANPIXIANG
LATE 16TH/EARLY 17TH CENTURY
The flat-topped cover fronted with a panel of sinuous dragons amid scrolling tendrils, above a pair of well-carved paneled doors, each with a central cartouche containing a lively five-clawed dragon above sea and mountains, the front of the protruding base carved with an arabesque containing a pair of striding, confronted dragons above openwork of leafy vines, the interior with five drawers and a removable tray, the plain sides fitted with handles, the cloud-form baitong hinges and face plates etched with scrolling lotus, the pulls in the form of auspicious double fish, the chain and back cover hinges replacements, the lock of later date
14 1/8in. (36cm.) high, 15 3/4in. (40cm.) wide, 14 1/8in. (36cm.) deep
Literature
Sarah Handler, "Classical Chinese Furniture in the Renaissance Collection", Orientations, January 1991, p. 46, fig. 8
Wang Shixiang, "Jianyue Minglian" ("The Beauty of Ming Furniture"), GWY, May 1993, no. 122, p. 12
Wang Shixiang, "The Museum of Classical Chinese Furniture in California", JCCFS, Autumn 1993, p. 54, no. 11
Curtis Evarts, "Uniting Elegance and Utility: Metal Mounts on Chinese Furniture", JCCFS, Summer 1994, p. 37, figs. 14 and 14a
Wang et al., Masterpieces from the Museum of Classical Chinese Furniture, p. 138, no. 65
