A Long Huanghuali Wood Late Ming or Early Qing Dynasty Side or Altar Table with Openwork Side Panels Carved in a Shou or Longevity Character Supported by Four Dragons.
Length: 119 in (302 cm), Depth: 19.25 in (49 cm), Height: 35.1 in (89 cm), Circa 1620-1735.
This large Side or Altar Table has massive yet elegant proportions; beautifully carved decorative motifs; a rich, lustrous color; and, most importantly, a powerful presence. The single slab of huanghuali wood found on its top is extraordinary, just over 3 inches or 7.75 centimetres thick. In his commentary found in pl. 104 of Classic Chinese Furniture, Wang Shixiang states that "Ming Dynasty huanghuali wood large tables with recessed legs over 3 metres are rare, and rarer still if both the workmanship and materials are fine."
Please compare our piece with two magnificent solid top huanghuali wood Side or Altar Tables originally in the holdings of Ming Furniture Ltd. which can now be found in the Chinese Rooms at the Minneapolis Institute of Arts (149.5 in, 380 cm) and The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York (114 in, 285 cm).
