Lot Essay
Compare the example also of flush-mitered construction, but with completely flush sides and tapering legs, illustrated by George Kates, Chinese Household Furniture, p. 87, fig. 38. Another is illustrated by Gustav Ecke, Chinese Domestic Furniture, p. 15, pl. 14. Wang Shixiang illustrates an outlined drawing of this type in Connoisseurship of Chinese Furniture, vol. II, p. 95, no. B78. A painting table of this form, but with "giant's arm" braces, is illustrated by Robert Ellsworth, Chinese Furniture, p. 157, no. 54
See, also, the shallower table with upturned ends and a top that is box-constructed to simulate a solid plank top, illustrated by Wang et al., Masterpieces from the Museum of Classical Chinese Furniture, p. 108, no. 51, sold in these rooms September 19, 1996, lot 22
The generous proportions of the wooden members of the present lot suggest a late Ming date when an abundance of huanghuali was available. Such tables, although frequently depicted in Ming paintings, are now relatively rare
See, also, the shallower table with upturned ends and a top that is box-constructed to simulate a solid plank top, illustrated by Wang et al., Masterpieces from the Museum of Classical Chinese Furniture, p. 108, no. 51, sold in these rooms September 19, 1996, lot 22
The generous proportions of the wooden members of the present lot suggest a late Ming date when an abundance of huanghuali was available. Such tables, although frequently depicted in Ming paintings, are now relatively rare