Lot Essay
The clustered and swirled graining of the burl panel is suggestive of a landscape or abstract painting. Burl panels were often incorporated into furniture to provide a decorative element, and the aesthetic created a striking contrast between the textured graining of burl and the amber tones of huanghuali. When chosen for table tops, the abstract patterning was meant to enhance displays of antiques and works of art. The natural qualities of the burl would have been attractive to scholars and poets who have long found inspiration in the natural world.
A burl-inset huanghuali recessed-leg table with cloud-form spandrels is illustrated by M. Flacks in Classical Chinese Furniture: a very personal point of view, London, 2011, pp. 214. Another massive burl-inset huanghuali recessed-leg painting table, formerly of the Lai Family collection, was sold by Christie's New York, 17 September 2015, lot 919.
A burl-inset huanghuali recessed-leg table with cloud-form spandrels is illustrated by M. Flacks in Classical Chinese Furniture: a very personal point of view, London, 2011, pp. 214. Another massive burl-inset huanghuali recessed-leg painting table, formerly of the Lai Family collection, was sold by Christie's New York, 17 September 2015, lot 919.