17TH CENTURY

Surviving examples of single plank-top pedestal tables, in general, appear to be quite rare, and compared to other types of tables, relatively few extant examples are known. This is perhaps due to the fact that the individual elements are easily demountable, and often do not survive together. However, it is this fact that makes the form so versatile, as it is easily moved and configured to fit a variety of spaces. The massive size of the current plank suggests that the table would have been immensely costly, even at the time of manufacture, and a highly prized possession of the wealthy scholar or official who owned it.

Compare with a painting table of similar form illustrated by Wang Shixiang in Mingshi jiajv yanjiu, Beijing, 2018, pl.no. yi-124. It is mentioned in the book that when Lubanguan acquired the table, the staff reduced the length of the tabletop by 2 feet because they believed that such massive size would be difficult to sell.

This item is made of a type of Dalbergia wood which is subject to CITES export/import restrictions since 2 January 2017. This item can only be shipped to addresses within Hong Kong or collected from our Hong Kong saleroom and office unless a CITES re-export permit is granted. Please contact the department for further information.