A huanghuali Tapered Cabinet (yuanjiaogui), late Ming-early Qing dynasty, 17th century. Photo Sotheby's

the splayed corner posts enclosing the matched simple panels of the pair of doors with wooden dowels fitting into sockets in the upper frame and lower front rail, above a plain narrow apron, the interior covered with black lacquer and fitted with two shelves. Height 55¾ in.,141.8 cm; Width 30½ in., 77.5 cm; Depth 18 in., 45.8 cm. ESTIMATION 70,000-90,000 USD

PROVENANCE: Ming Furniture Ltd., New York, 1994.

Sotheby's. Fine Chinese Ceramics & Works of Art, New York | 11 sept. 2012 www.sothebys.com