A pair of Chinese Huanghuali and mixed hardwood side table (tiaozhuo), Qing dynasty, 19th century. Estimate 30,000 — 50,000 USD. Unsold. Photo Sotheby's

each with a rectangular floating panel set within a standard mortise and tenon molded frame, supported by three transverse stretchers, the short recessed waist surmounting a shaped and beaded apron, supported on four square section beaded legs terminating in hoof feet (2). Height 33 3/4  in., 84.4 cm; Width 35 1/2  in., 90.1 cm; Depth 17 3/4  in., 45.1 cm

Notes: Although often made in pairs, it is rare to find a surviving example. The present pair is also unusual for its shaped apron without arched stretchers below. However, this simple, elegant form was one of the most successful among classical Chinese furniture and therefore prone to slight variation; waisted and waistless examples, those with and without stretchers, and both square and side tables.

Sotheby's. Important Chinese Works of Art, New York, 17 mars 2015