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39

Large Huanghuali Compound Cabinet, China, 17th C

Currency:EUR Category:Collectibles Start Price:8,000.00 EUR Estimated At:12,800.00 - 16,000.00 EUR
Large Huanghuali Compound Cabinet, China, 17th C
Huanghuali
China, 17th century
Of sober rectangular form
Relief decoration with dragons and ruyi
Dimensions: 245 x 125 x 53.5 cm
Visually good condition
Provenance: Brought to Europe by a diplomatic family around 1900; private collection, Germany
Literature: Sarah Handler, Ming Furniture in the light of Chinese Architecture, page 192

This cabinet dates to the 17th century and is made of the precious wood Huanghuali. The two-part cabinet is of rectangular form, with two pairs of hinged doors opening to an empty compartment. The lower apron is carved with dragons and ruyi elements in relief. The simplistic rectangular shape is otherwise without frills and only adorned with plain metal fittings in order to let the noble wood, which features a fine grain and beautiful patina, stand out. Cabinets of this kind first and foremost had a practical value and were used to store clothes and linen as well as paintings and books. Since furniture of this size was usually an eye-catching element of a room, this type of cabinet was also a testimony of the owner’s taste and social status.



The cabinet is in good, restored condition with minor signs of wear. Some wood sections may be replacements. Here and there the restoration is more noticeable. The fittings are partially re-attached with nails. The cabinet measures 245 cm in height, 125 cm in width and 53.5 cm in depth.



Huang-hua-li

Huanghuali (Dalbergia odorifera) is a rare rosewood type, which 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.
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