Lot 158. A huanghuali waistless bench, 17th century; 165.6 by 42 by h. 49.8 cm. Lot sold: 2,772,000 HKD (Estimate: 400,000 - 600,000 HKD). © Sotheby's 2022

of simple yet elegant proportions, the soft mat seat enclosed within a simianping or 'four corner's flush' structure, supported by three transverse stretchers underneath, the thick angular waistless frame raised on four square-sectioned corner legs gently tapering to high hoof feet, the wood of an attractive chestnut brown tone.

Provenance: Christie's New York, 16th September 1999, lot 42.
Nicholas Grindley, London, 20th September 1999.

Note: The restrained elegance of the present bench is achieved through its simianping or 'four corner’s flush' construction where the legs are set flush to its top. It is considered one of the most attractive and classic features of Ming furniture. 

The present bench, however, appears to be highly unusual. An example of this design but of larger proportions was sold at Christie's New York, 21st March 2000, lot 16. Compare also a huanghuali daybed with its lower section similarly constructed with a 'four corner's flush' structure, included in Grace Wu Bruce, Chinese Classical Furniture, Hong Kong, 1995, pl. 22.

Sotheby's. HOTUNG  The Personal Collection of the late Sir Joseph Hotung: Part 1, Hong Kong, 9 October 2022