Huanghuali, burl wood China, 15th century Rectangular table with square legs terminating in horse-hoof feet Waisted frame with slightly sweeping tabletop The top with an inlaid burl wood plate The underside of the table top connected to each leg by a curved Giant's Arm Brace The apron and the legs accentuated by small profile Warm wood tone with expressive grain Enclosed certificate (Antiques Analytics no. AA 03-04123) with age determination is consistent with the dating of this lot Dimensions: 82 x 105 x 60.5 cm Condition Provenance: Private collection of a German diplomat, thence by descent The elegant proportions and the burl wood tabletop imply that the table served for the presentation of various art objects. Burl wood was especially popular as a ground for the presentation of artifacts. Compare a table with the same proportions, but made of Zitan wood and with an inlaided ying-mu plate, illustrated in Robert Hatfield Ellsworth et. al., Chinese Furniture: One Hundred Examples from the Mimi and Raymond Hung Collection, New York 1996, p. 144f. Literature: Cf. Jacobsen, Classical Chinese Furniture in the Minneapolis Institute of Arts, Minneapolis 1999, p. 108f. Huang-hua-li Huanghuali (Dalbergia odorifera) is a rare type of rosewood that was used in China for traditional medicine and to make precious furniture. Originally known as huali or hualu, the specification ‘huang’ (yellowish-brown) was added in the 20th century to differentiate between aged Huanghuali with a yellowish brown patina and newer, so-called xinhuali. Huanghuali literally means ‘yellowish blooming pear wood’. Very good Huanghuali wood has a shimmering, nearly translucent surface with a beautiful, abstract grain. The color varies from reddish brown to golden yellow. Huanghuali probably originally came from the island Hainan, but similar kinds also grow in Northern Vietnam, Guangxi and Indochina. Condition:The table is in good refreshed condition with slight signs of age and wear such as small scratches here and there. The height measures 82 cm, the width 105 cm and the depth 60.5 cm. Provenance: Private collection of a German diplomat, thence by descent Shipping costs excl. statutory VAT and plus 2,5% (+VAT) shipping insurance. Starting bid : 40000