A fine and rare pair of zitan and hongmu recessed leg altar tables. 18th-19th century. Photo Bonhams

Each with a two-board top set into a mitered, mortise and tenoned frame with moulded veneer edge joined to recessed solid legs cut at the top to receive the superbly carved apron designed as a continuous meander of peony blossoms and foliage tendrils rendered in high relief, the meander repeated on the side panels tongue and grooved into the side of the legs and slab feet. 35 1/4 x 91 1/8 x 19 1/8 in (89.5 x 231.5 x 48.6cm). Sold for US$2,714,500

Property from the Estate of Elinor Majors Carlisle, San Francisco

Note: Elinor Majors Carlisle was the daughter of Alexander Majors, who found, with two partners - Russell and Waddel - the transcontinental feighting business which became the famous Pony Express. Mrs. Carlisle, inheriting her father's passion for hard work as well as his adventurous spirit, took over the management of her husband's San Francisco paper goods firm, Carlisle and Compnay, upon his sudden death in 1904. Her energy was boundless - with six children, she was a passionate suffragette, served on numerous boards and championed many political and social causes. She traveled to China three times between 1900 and 1925, 'making her hobby the collecting of rare specimens of Chinese art.' A magnificent underglaze copper red dish, Hongwu period, sold in these rooms on November 12, 2004, lot 2088 was purchased on one of these trips, along with lots 8246-8250 offered in this auction.

Bonhams. Fine Asian Works of Art, 20 Dec 2011, California, San Francisco www.bonhams.com