with a well-figured two-board floating panel top of typical miter, mortise and tenon construction set into rectangular frame, and supported on the underside by four transverse stretchers, the rounded frame tapering inward to a thumb-molded channel and terminating in a beaded edge, above a narrow recessed waist continuing lively scrolling and beaded apron delicately carved with intertwining foliate motifs, all supported on four square-section cabriole legs with inside beaded edge, ending in inward scrolled feet

The table is in good overall condition. There is some slight shrinkage to the top panels. The table has previous general consolidation with minor filled and stabilizing repairs. There is expected wear to the surface, some splitting to the feet and small nicks along the beaded edges. Please note that this lot will require a CITES permit for export outside of the United States.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Elegantly constructed with a curvilinear beaded apron and cabriole legs, rectangular tables of this type are commonly referred to as kang, from the homonymous hollow brick platform heated with hot air through a stove which provided a warm surface in Chinese households. The seminal Ming dynasty carpenter's manual Lu Ban jing comments on the particular type of dynamic curvilinear apron seen on the present example. The book uses the term leishui huaya (carved like water) to help guide artisans towards the fluid rippling that may be observed on scrolling, rhythmic lines along the apron of the present table. A kang table of related form and similar decoration was sold in our London rooms 9th November 2016, lot 341, another of the same form but lacking the foliate carving sold in these rooms, 13th September 2017, lot 174 and another closely related example sold in these rooms, 17th September 2013, lot 212.