Lot 3054 A huanghuali square incense stand, xiangji, Ming dynasty (1368 - 1644); 34 1/8 in. (87 cm.) high, 20 in. (51 cm.) square. Estimate HKD 1,200,000 - HKD 1,800,000. Price realised HKD 1,500,000. © Christie's Images Ltd 2021

Of square section, the lipped-edge top is supported on a high waist and joined by a thick ogee apron, resting on four tapering cabriole legs ending in upturned tendril and ball feet set into the base stretcher.

Provenance: Collection of Ronald W.Longsdorf, no.479.

Note: Incense stands, both in lacquer and hardwood, are found in a variety of forms, including round, square, foliate, hexagonal and octagonal and are constructed with three, four or five legs. To support censers for both secular and religious purposes, incense stands became a standard piece of furniture for any individual who could afford luxury goods. The high waist and the graceful undulations of the cusped apron on the present stand are both distinctive features that have strong links to Buddhism. High waisted pedestal stands, xumizuo, were commonly placed in front of Buddhist images, whilst the arched outlines formed by the apron resemble the kunmen, the outlines to the openings of Buddhist caves and pagodas. For further discussion, please refer to Wang Shixiang, Connoisseurship of Chinese Furniture: Ming and Early Qing Dynasties, Hong Kong, 1990, vol.1, p.102-103. A huanghuali altar table dated to Ming dynasty, second half of 15th century in similar form but significantly larger with more ornate elements (fig. 1), was previously in the T.T. Tsui collection and sold at Christie’s Hong Kong, 29 May 2019, lot 2703.

This item is made of a type of Dalbergia wood which is subject to CITES export/import restrictions since 2 January 2017. This item can only be shipped to addresses within Hong Kong or collected from our Hong Kong saleroom and office unless a CITES re-export permit is granted. Please contact the department for further information.

Christie's. Important Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art, Hong Kong, 28 may 2021