17TH-18TH CENTURY

This miniature qiaotou'an table looks similar to its large size counterpart but is in fact constructed differently. So miniatures were unlikely to be workshop models of the Ming for patrons to order furniture as claimed by some present day scholars. The cloud-spandrelled apron is made of one piece of wood, unusual in large size qiaotou'an tables. The spandrels end in delicate, attractive points rarely seen in large scale qiaotou'an tables. In addition, thick planks inset into the shoe-feet carved with a large cloud shape serve as legs. Regular qiaotou'an tables are constructed with two legs and an inset panel in between. The single plank top is tightly grained with attractive whirling pattern and “eyes”.

Miniature tables like the present lot may be placed on painting tables, desks serving as stands for treasured antiques, or as an independent object to be admired in the studios of the literati in old times.

Please note these lots contain a type of Dalbergia wood that is subject to CITES export/import restrictions. However, as each lot (or each individual item in the lot) the weight of this type of Dalbergia does not exceed 10 kg, starting from 1 May 2021, CITES license is no longer required for importing the lot (or the individual item in the lot) into Hong Kong. Before you decide to bid, please check whether your destination country permits import without CITES license. If CITES license is required, we will make the lot available for your collection in Hong Kong. We will not cancel your purchase due to any CITES restrictions impacting the import of the lot to the destination country.