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Lot Essay
The unusual and rustic form of this table, with its distinct lack of ornamentation and stripped down construction, only highlights its massive form and generous use of huanghuali. Lacking a waist or aprons, the structure is supported purely by the solid members of the frame and legs, and by the sinuous curve of the humpback stretchers, which directly abut the underside of the table frame itself. The rigid angularity of the form is softened somewhat by the curve of the stretchers, and by the restrained groove cut into the inside edge of the outside face of the legs.
Few examples of this form are known; a related example, but with tapering legs and with diminutive aprons, was sold at Christie’s New York, 21 March 2000, lot 8. Another corner-leg table with square legs and without aprons, but with ‘giant’s arm’ braces instead of humpback stretchers, is illustrated by R. Ellsworth, Chinese Furniture: Hardwood Examples of the Ming and Early Ch’ing Dynasties, New Fairfield, CT, 1970, no. 54.
Few examples of this form are known; a related example, but with tapering legs and with diminutive aprons, was sold at Christie’s New York, 21 March 2000, lot 8. Another corner-leg table with square legs and without aprons, but with ‘giant’s arm’ braces instead of humpback stretchers, is illustrated by R. Ellsworth, Chinese Furniture: Hardwood Examples of the Ming and Early Ch’ing Dynasties, New Fairfield, CT, 1970, no. 54.