Large Huanghuali Storage Chest, China, 17th Century. Photo Auctionata - Berlin

Huanghuali wood, bronze, China, 17th Century. Beautiful, original patina. Original bronze fittings. Two locks and one key. Beautiful ornamented handles to either narrow sides. Dimensions: 151.5 cm Width x 75 cm Height x 70 cm Depth. Good condition. Estimation : 32 000 / 40 000 €

Provenience: From a Private Collection

This exceptional Huanghuali storage chest was crafted in China in the 17^th Century. It still has its original bronze fittings and impresses by its rare size and the wonderful grain of the wood.
The huanghuali wood has an especially nice patina and is finely polished and shiny.
The lid can be held by two props that are swung out from the inside of the chest.
The inside has been reinforced and lined with red wallpaper, bearing fine ornamentation, from the Qing Dynasty. Its modest and rectangular form is without frills and is only adorned with its simplistic, original bronze fittings in order to let the beautiful wood stand out.

This rare and beautiful chest is in good condition, considering its age.
The wood has a very nice patina and so do the bronze fittings. Small notches and scratches give proof of the chest’s already long life. A small area on the lid’s border has been restored. Two of the base fittings of the back are loose, but included.
The chest has two locks, one key is at hand.
The paper inside shows visible traces of use. Smaller parts have been added later.
The dimensions are: 151.5 cm width x 75 cm height x 70 cm depth.

Huang-hua-li
Huanghuali (Dalbergia odorifera) is a rare rosewood type, which was used in China for traditional medicine and to make precious furniture. Originally known as huali or hualu, the specification ‘huang’ (yellowish-brown) was added in the 20th century to differentiate between aged Huanghuali with a yellowish brown patina and newer, so-called xinhuali. Huanghuali literally means ‘yellowish blooming pear wood’. Very good Huanghuali wood has a shimmering, near translucent surface with a beautiful, abstract grain.
The colour varies from reddish brown to golden yellow. Huanghuali probably originally came from the island Hainan, but similar kinds also grow in northern Vietnam, Guangxi and Indochina.

Auctionata - Berlin. Vendredi 18 octobre 2013. Franklinstrasse 13, 10587 Berlin. Contact: Victoria Mäder-Duhn (vma@auctionata.com)