of rectangular section, the four main stiles molded and beaded on the three outside corners, the doors flanking the removable central stile and of standard mitered frame construction, each frame member and the central stile molded with a raised half round center edged by a flat narrow beaded band, the outside stiles molded and finishing on an extended dowel, fitted into sockets in the underside of the frame top and the horizontal shaped stretcher mortised and tenoned into the main stiles below the doors, each door inset with a beautifully figured, nanmu burlwood panel with two dovetailed transverse braces tenoned into the door frame, the sides similarly inset with nanmu burlwood panels, the top of standard construction enclosing two softwood floating panels, the interior fitted with two shelves, the lower over a pair of drawers, the door frame members and the central stile fitted with three curved rectangular baitong plates with three square lock receptacles above three rectangular door pulls

The cabinet with consolidation to the joinery overall. There are patch repairs and wear to the outer frames of each door, most noticeable are those at the top and bottom from usage. There are replaced stretchers along the inside and replacements to interior structure supporting the shelves and drawers. The drawers are fronted with huanghuali and have some patch repairs. The shelves, base, back and top panels of the cabinet are softwood. Some of the softwood stretchers have tiny bore holes from previous insect damage. The burlwood panels have some shrinkage, some minor splitting and a few consolidated and patch repairs. The metal mounts are replaced. There is wear to the surface overall, further minor repairs and replacements consistent with age and use. 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.

One of the most ingenious and beautiful designs of classic Chinese furniture is the sloping-stile, wood-hinged cabinet. The four main stiles are recessed from the corners of the top and slope gently outward in a subtle, almost imperceptible splay. This simple design feature gives the cabinet its refined elegance and a sense of balance and stability. The doors, with extended dowels on both ends, fit into sockets in the cabinet frame members and act as hinges. Free from the necessity of applied hinges, the clean lines of the cabinet are not interfered with. The rectangular metal plates with their lock receptacles and door pulls not only serve a practical function, but are also judiciously placed as decoration for the otherwise completely plain piece. Sloping-stile wood-hinged cabinets are masterpiece of Chinese cabinet makers.

Compare a pair of cupboards with a similar use of contrasting woods, burlwood door panels and structural panels of huanghuali from the collection of Charlotte Horstmann, illustrated in Robert H. Ellsworth, Chinese Furniture, New York, 1970, pl. 122.  Another smaller example is illustrated in Grace Wu Bruce, Two Decades of Ming Furniture, Beijing, 2010, pl. 217.