Page 36 - Christies Asia Week 2015 Chinese Works of Art
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PROPERTY FROM THE FAMILY OF K’UNG HSIANG-HSI (detail)
2026
A PAIR OF IMPERIAL HONGMU SMALL CABINETS
19TH CENTURY
Each square cabinet has two hinged doors between drawers above and
below. The doors, drawer fronts, and side panels are intricately carved
with writhing dragons amidst clouds. The borders are inlaid in silver
wire with archaistic scroll.
18¿ in. (45.8 cm.) high, 14æ in. (37.3 cm.) wide, 7 in. (17.6 cm.)
deep (2)
$15,000-25,000
PROVENANCE:
The K’ung Hsiang-Hsi (Kong Xiangxi, 1881- 1967) Collection,
New York, and thence by descent within the family.
Compare the similar cabinet, but in zitan, also elaborately carved with
dragons and clouds and with a tapered base, sold at Christie’s Paris, 10
December 2014, lot 190. Another huali example, also with a stand, was
sold at Christie’s New York, 28 March 1996, lot 241. A single tapered
base, which would have supported a cabinet of this form, will be sold at
Christie’s New York, 17 September 2015, lot 1012.
清十九世紀 御製紅木雲龍紋小櫃一對
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