Lot 77. A massive huanghuali compound cabinet, dingxianggui, 18th century. Estimate USD  50,000 - 100,000. Sold for US$ 75,000 (€64,444). Photo: Bonhams.

Comprising of two sections, the smaller chest stacked on the top of the lower cabinet, both of rectangular form and each faced with two doors separated by a vertical stile, the four doors centering on a finely carved cartouche composed of foliate scroll swirling around phoenixes, auspicious chimes and bats, the corners of each door further embellished with carved foliate scroll work, the doors adorned with metal hardware, the lower cabinet raised on square legs linked by a carved and reticulated apron decorated with phoenixes, the wood panels with strong grain and ranging in color from dark brown to warm gold. 116 1/2 x 68 1/8 x 21in (296 x 173 x 53.2cm)

Provenance: Henry Henningsen, Denmark (circa 1885 - 19481), acquired in China.

Note: This impressive compound cabinet was acquired in the first half of the twentieth century in China. After the death of Henry Henningsen, his wife brought the cabinet back to Denmark. Sometime after that, the top and bottom sections were separated. They were not reunited until 2016 when the top section appeared at a Danish auction. Due to their long separation, the wood patina on the top and bottom section is subtlely different.

A pair of smaller cabinets from the Geldart collection, exhibiting similar aprons and carving, was sold in these rooms, 18 September 2009, lot 8020.

Bonhams. ASIAN WORKS OF ART, 30 Oct 2017, 10:00 EDT - NEW YORK