17TH CENTURY

The present table is a superb example of the highly successful combination of huanghuali and mottled stone. The variegated marble panel in tones of pink, grey, white and ochre creates a subtly textured pattern that when set within the amber tones and dynamic grain of the huanghuali frame creates a pleasing aesthetic. In this example, the combination of contrasting materials make one balanced piece of furniture. Surviving examples of marble-inset tables are relatively few, as stone tops are more susceptible to cracking and damage from use. A famille-rose 'eggshell' ruby-back 'lady and child' dish, lot 982 in the present sale, depicts and elegantly dressed woman seated at a marble-inset corner-leg table. Atop the table rests a dish of peaches and a blue-glazed bottle vase holding peony blossoms. The decoration on the dish beautifully demonstrates the sumptuous effect of contrasting surfaces and textures.

A marble-inset huanghuali table, carved on the aprons with confronting chilong, and of slightly larger proportions is illustrated by G. Wu Bruce, Living with Ming - the Lu Ming Shi Collection, Hong Kong, 2000, p. 108, no. 20. Another elegant grey and yellow variegated marble-inset huanghuali table, carved with interlocking floral scroll on the aprons, is illustrated by G. Wu Bruce, Ming Furniture Through My Eyes, Beijing, 2015, p. 35.