Altar Table with Ruyi Elements - 15th century - Elm wood - China - Ming Dynasty (1368-1644)

Altar Table with Ruyi Elements, China, 15th/16th C. Rectangular table with square legs and slightly protruding top Curved front and back spandrels with stylized Ruyi motifs in open work, therein a pearl shaped ornament The legs below the frame are connected with a curved and simply stepped stretcher On the sides the legs are connected with two simple square shaped stretchers The apron, the edges of the legs as well as the stretchers are accentuated by a small profile An enclosed certificate (Antiques Analytics no. AA 03-04121) with age determination is consistent with the dating of this lot Dimensions: 85 x 108 x 67 cm Condition 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, nearly 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 table is in good condition with usual signs of age and wear such as small nicks and fissures here and there. The height is 85 cm, the width 108 cm and the depth 67 cm.