the rectangular case set to either side with a rectangular section post, joined by an arched upper rail and conforming crossbeam, flanked at the base by two pairs of plain shaped spandrels, the chest with two long drawers, the top one divided into three sections, with baitong mounts, a central rectangular face plate with sliding lock, four rectangular drawer pulls, and strap mounts to top and base of the side posts, with metal scales (2)

The stand is in overall good condition. There has been some consolidation to the joinery, the mounts are likely replaced, and there is expected wear, minor repairs and possible replacements. 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.

Balance stands with scales were widely used as measures when silver was the common currency and were used both domestically and commercially. The Ming dynasty novel Amazing Tales—Second Series, illustrates a balance stand in a Ming home, and a balance stand is shown in use in a shop in the 16th century novel The Gold Lotus, Jin Ping Mei Cihua in vol. 1, chapter 60. For a similar example see Wang Shixiang and Curtis Evarts, Masterpieces from the Museum of Classical Chinese Furniture, Chicago and San Francisco, 1995, pl. 90 which sold at Christie's New York, 19th September 1996, lot 11 and now in the Minneapolis Institute of Art,  illustrated in Robert D. Jacobsen with Nicholas Grindley, Classical Chinese Furniture in the Minneapolis Museum of Art, Minneapolis, 1999, pl. 63. A related example with a carved openwork panel from the Dr. S. Y. Yip Collection was sold in our Hong Kong rooms, 7th October 2015, lot 113. See also a balancing stand from the Reverend Richard Fabian Collection sold in these rooms, 15th March 2016, lot 3. Another from the Hung Collection sold at Christie's New York, 22nd-23rd March 2018, lot 949.