18TH CENTURY

Compare an example also of flush-mitered construction and with completely flush sides and tapering legs but without apron stretchers, illustrated by George N. Kates, Chinese Household Furniture, New York, 1948, p. 82, fig. 38. Another, also without apron stretchers is illustrated by Gustav Ecke, Chinese Domestic Furniture, Rutland, Vermont and Tokyo, 1962, pl. 15, 16, 17 (right). A painting table of this form, but with 'giant's arm' braces, is illustrated by Robert H. Ellsworth, Chinese Furniture: Hardwood Examples of the Ming and Qing Dynasties, New York, 1971, pl. 157, no. 54. See also the shallower table with upturned 'bird's tail' ends and a box-constructed top simulating a thick single-plank top, illustrated by Wang Shixiang, et al., Masterpieces from the Museum of Classical Chinese Furniture, Chicago and San Francisco, 1995, p. 108, no. 51, sold in these rooms, 19 September 1996, lot 22. An example from the Piccus Collection, with very slightly protruding top and without apron or braces was sold in these rooms, 18 September 1997, lot 41.