Page 158 - Bonhams Chinese Art NYC Nov 9 2017

Gustav and Yuho Ecke; image courtesy of Orientations

Compare a related zitan kang table, early Qing dynasty, with
similar apron, but with tri-lobed feet, as well as a related
humu ‘seven panel’ armchair, early Qing dynasty, with similar
geometric design, from the Qing Court collection, illustrated
in The Complete Collection of Treasures of the Palace
Museum: Furniture of the Ming and Qing Dynasties, Hong
Kong, 2002, pls.36 (one of a pair) and 159.
The present kang table in its austere minimalist design
celebrates the pure elegance of the geometric design.
This is further elevated by the three-layered stretchers
supporting the top panel. The ingenuity of the master
craftsman is beautifully demonstrated in the juxtaposition of
the geometric design contrasted against the naturalistically
flowing design of the burlwood panel on top.

Gustav Ecke, Chinese Domestic Furniture, Beijing,
1944, pl.43, no.46 (illustrating the present lot)

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