λ A RARE CHINESE HUANGHUALI CORNER-LEG WAISTED STAND, PERHAPS AN INCENSE STAND

λ A RARE CHINESE HUANGHUALI CORNER-LEG WAISTED STAND, PERHAPS AN INCENSE STAND
LATE MING DYNASTY

The top with a mitre, mortise and tenon frame construction with a flush, tongue-and-grooved single board floating panel supported by two dovetailed stretchers underneath. The recessed waist and the apron made of one piece is mitred to the leg which in turn is double lock mortise and tenoned to the top and end in elegantly drawn hoof feet. The top and legs joined by giant’s arm braces (bawangcheng) underneath, 73.5 cm x 67cm x 33.4cm.

Provenance: property from the estate of Mr David Pike dec’d, London, purchased from Grace Wu Bruce Co Ltd, 10th November 1993, a copy of the original invoice is available.

Cf. G Ecke, Chinese Domestic Furniture, 1978, pl.6, for a similar square incense stand with base stretchers; Christie's Hong Kong, 30th May 2024, lot 2915, for a slightly taller example.

This stand, with its simple and classic proportions, exemplifies the ideal aesthetic of its time. Stands of this type are characteristic of classic Ming furniture design. They were typically used to display rock sculptures, penzai (bonsai), flower vases, or incense burners, and were occasionally placed outdoors for worship. 'Bawangcheng' also known as the giant's arm braces, were crafted by artisans to reinforce the table legs, ensuring they could support the weight of the tabletop. The term references the legendary 3rd century BC hero Xiang Yu, who is said to have supported the heavens with his arm.

明晚期 黃花梨束腰馬蹄足霸王棖香几
來源: 英國倫敦已故David Pike 先生私人收藏，1993年11月10日購於香港嘉木堂 (附發票複印件)。