Canalblog
Editer l'article Suivre ce blog Administration + Créer mon blog
Alain.R.Truong
Alain.R.Truong
Visiteurs
Depuis la création 51 156 012
Archives
Newsletter
Alain.R.Truong
26 octobre 2018

A rare huanghuali recessed-leg painting table, hua’an, Ming dynasty, 17th century

1

2

Lot 48. A rare huanghuali recessed-leg painting table, hua’an, Ming dynasty, 17th century; 33 1/8 in. x 68 ¾ in. wide x 22 5/8 in. deep. (84 x 174.6 x x 57.5 cm). Estimate GBP 100,000 - GBP 200,000 (USD 130,700 - USD 261,400)© Christie's Images Ltd 2018

The single-panel top is set within the wide rectangular frame, above elegant plain aprons and spandrels, all raised on legs of round section which are joined by pairs of stretchers. 

ProvenanceWith Grace Wu Bruce.
Property from a Distinguished Private Collection.

Note: Large tables are often erroneously labelled painting tables, but to be considered a true painting table, such as the present table, the surface must be broad enough to accommodate a large painting and the accoutrements associated with painting or calligraphy (ink, ink stones, brushes, and washers, etc.). Tables of this large size would also be ideal for the appreciation of a painting. 

Tables of this elegant and restrained form, with the graceful splay of the legs, trace their origins to furniture design of the Song dynasty, and several variations on this type are known. The spare, economic lines of this design make it one of the classic forms found in Chinese furniture construction. The basic proportions were adapted to make large painting tables, smaller tables, benches and stools. This form is referred to in the Classic of Lu Ban as a 'character one' table, due to its similarity in profile to the single horizontal stroke of the Chinese character for 'one'.

huanghuali recessed-leg table of similar proportions is published by G. Ecke in Chinese Domestic Furniture, Vermont and Tokyo, 1962, p. 46, pl. 36. See also, a slightly larger huanghuali painting table (195.5 cm.), sold at Christie’s New York, 18 March 2015, lot 122, and formerly in the Robert H. Ellsworth collection.

Christie's. Fine Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art, London, 6 November 2018

Commentaires