Lot 268. A rare huanghuali altar table, Early Qing Dynasty;  156.8cm (61 3/4in) long x 43.3cm (17in) wide x 83cm (32 6/8in) high. Estimate £ 20,000-30,000. Sold for £ 134,500 (€ 150,220). Photo Bonhams.

The well-figured rectangular top with raised edges above the sides carved with double-reed bands, the shaped apron with ruyi-head shaped terminals framed by scrolling edges carved in relief with a central floral blossom flanked by further foliate floral sprays, each pair of the double-reeded legs with an open panel at the side, all supported on rectangular sections.

Note: The present recessed table demonstrates a highly accomplished craftsmanship exemplified by the combination of the elegant rectangular architectural forms accentuated by the double bow-strings and raised edges carved in relief. The simple yet graceful form is further embellished by the naturalistic carvings of the foliate sprays.

Compare a related huanghuali altar table, late 17th/ early 18th century, but without foliate carving, from the Honolulu Academy of Arts, illustrated by R.H.Ellsworth, Chinese Hardwood Furniture in Hawaiian Collections, Honolulu, 1982, pl.29.

A related but larger huanghuali recessed-leg demountable trestle-leg table, 17th/18th century, with everted terminals, from the Robert Hatfield Ellsworth Collection, was sold recently at Christie's New York on 17 March 2015, lot 48.

Bonham's. Fine Chinese Art, London, New Bond Street, 14 May 2015