Lot 159. A huanghuali round-corner tapered kang cabinet, yuanjiao kanggui, 17th-18th century;32 in. (81.3 cm.) high, 22 7/8 in. (58.1 cm.) wide, 14 in. (35.6 cm.) deep. Estimate USD 70,000 - USD 90,000. Price Realized: USD 116,500. © Christie's Images Ltd 2008.

The protruding round-corner top supported on slightly splayed corner posts of round section, enclosing the rectangular single-panel doors opening from the removable center stile to reveal the shelved interior, all above plain narrow aprons and apron-head spandrels, the wood of a dark, attractive tone.

Note: A similar, though smaller huanghuali round-corner kang cabinet, dated to the 16th century, from the collection of Mr. and Mrs. Robert P. Piccus, was sold in these rooms, 18 September 1997, lot 32.

A second smaller example with less pronounced taper, shaped apron and circular escutcheon, is illustrated by Wang Shixiang in Connoisseurship of Chinese Furniture, vol. II, p. 150, no. D21. A huanghuali cabinet of similar size, but without a central stile, and dated to the late 16th century, from the Alice Boney Collection, is illustrated by R. H. Ellsworth, Chinese Furniture: Hardwood Examples of the Ming and Early Ch'ing Dynasties, p. 211, fig. 125. 

Christie's. Fine Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art. 17 September 2008. New York, Rockefeller Plaza