Huanghuali China, 17th/18th century The rectangular table top is supported by four round legs Curved frame with double circle ornaments A sober design with clean lines and elegant proportions defines this piece of furniture Fine grain and natural yellow-brown color Dimensions: 79 x 191 x 50.5 cm Good age-related condition Provenance: Private collection, Berlin This table is referred to as a painting or calligraphy table because tables of this kind were often used by artists or scholars. The dimensions of the table allowed the painter or calligrapher to spread even very long scrolls and move around it easily. Tables of this size are very rare and here the rounded corners imitate the bamboo or cane furniture of the Song Dynasty, which were shown in the paitings. Literature: Wang Shixiang, Connoisseurship of Chinese Furniture, Hong Kong 1990, B108; Grace Wu Bruce, Ming Furniture Selections from Hong Kong & London Gallery, 2000-2001, no. 6. 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, near 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 an overall good condition with signs of age and wear. Small cracks are visible here and there. The dimensions are cm 79 x 191 x 50.5 (height x length x width). Shipping costs excl. statutory VAT and plus 2,5% (+VAT) shipping insurance. Starting Bid : 12000