Huanghuali, metal fittings
China, 19th century
Traditional Liansanchu cabinet with symbolic carvings
Fine carving quality
Table top with both ends terminating in upward curled finials
Front with three rectangular drawers above a pair of cabinet doors
Relief representations of four-clawed dragons chasing flaming pearls amidst clouds
The wood with vivid red-brown color with distinct grain
Empty interior
Dimensions: 89 x 159 x 44.5 cm
Good restored condition
Provenance: Private collection, Germany

This form of cabinet was very popular in the Ming period, particularly in Northern China. The Western term ‘altar coffer’ arose from old photographs showing these cabinets used as family altars. However, they were not limited to this use and were also used to store domestic objects. Larger versions can still be found in Chinese temples and monasteries.



Literature: Wang Shixiang, Connoisseurship of Chinese Furniture: Ming and Early Qing Dynasties, vol.II, Hong Kong, 1990, p. 169

C. Evarts, 'The Enignmatic Altar Coffer' in Journal of the Classical Chinese Furniture Society, Autumn 1994, pp. 29-44



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 altar table is in good, extensively restored condition. The back wall shows a fine crack (approx. 11 cm). There is no key. The locking pin as well as the fittings are later additions. The dimension are 89 x 159 x 44.5 cm (height x width x depth).

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