Lot 337. A rare jichimu octagonal three-part composite table, yueyazhuo, Qing dynasty, 18th Century; 34 3/4 by 42 1/2 by 41 1/2 in., 88 by 108 by 108 cm. Estimate 60,000 — 80,000 USD. Lot sold 114,000 USD. Photo: Sotheby's.

comprising a rectangular table and a pair of trapezoidal tables each with solid board-top, butted on the short-ends with a shallow closing member, set at the corners with straight legs of irregular faceted section in order to conform with the overall octagonal shape, and secured by straight stretchers accented with linked double-ring struts and reticulated spandrels formed from scrolling archaistic gui-dragons, the inner edge of the legs, struts, and braces all accented with shallow grooves, the straight feet further secured by a lattice of conforming rectangular or trapezoidal form in interwoven rectangular brick-form diaper, (3).

Note: It is very rare to find tables of this three-piece octagonal form.  More commonly found are 'D' shaped tables of semi-circular form which were made in pairs that could be joined to form a single circular table.  On their own, they served as side tables.  Very few pairs have survived and even fewer three-piece tables like the present lot exist.  The lattice work on this table is especially fine.  A single 18th century jichimu D-shaped table was sold in these rooms 26th November 1991, lot 429, as well as a pair that sold in these rooms 3rd June 1992, lot 344.