Lot 231. A huanghuali recessed-leg long table (qiaotouan), Ming Dynasty, 17th century. Height 34 1/4 in., 87 cm; Width 88 in., 223.5 cm; Depth 16 1/2 in., 42 cm. Estimate 250,000-350,000 USD. Lot sold 182,500 USD. Photo Sotheby's

the narrow single plank top with molded edges terminating in everted flanges, above a waisted straight apron with foliate-form spandrels, the square legs with beaded edges and raised double beading to the center joined by a molded shoe foot, framing openwork beaded-edge panels, the narrow upper panel with a beaded and cusped opening above a large well-carved panel with scrolling ruyi and leaves issuing from rockwork.

Note: A table of similar size and with related ornate carving is illustrated and discussed in Robert D. Jacobsen and Nicholas Grindley, Classical Chinese Furniture in the Minneapolis Institute of Arts, pp. 126-127, no. 42.  The authors state that this type of elaborate carving was criticized by Wen Zhenheng (1574-1636) as excessive although he notes that tables carved with ruyi are to be considered more tasteful than those carved with 'dragons, phoenixes, flowers and grasses. (ibid, p. 126.) According to the authors, this type of long side table was used for ceremonies, placed against a wall in an important room and set with items of religious or spiritual significance.

A huanghuali recessed leg long table with a finely carved openwork panel and of similar size to the present example was sold in these rooms 14th September 2011, lot 132.