An exceptional huanghuali altar table (Qiaotouan),Late Ming dynasty明末 黃花梨獨板馬蹄足翹頭案the long rectangular single-board floating panel top of well-figured wood set with everted ends, the moulded-edge frame over a recessed waist and straight beaded-edge apron, the square-section beaded-edge legs terminating in hoof feet and joined by arched and beaded-edge stretchers mortised and tenoned into the legs below the apron269 by 46 by 89 cm, 105⅞ by 18⅛ by 35 in.品相: There are some ring marks on the surface, and very minor fills to the end of the top and sides. Some movements in joints are visible, the back apron is slightly bent, consistent with age. There are also some patchings to all four internal joints. One of the side aprons has been replaced.中文內容僅供參考，請以英文原版為準。表面有少許環痕，另於尾端及兩側可見少許填補。通體接榫處均有少許鬆動，一面牙條有少許彎曲現象，與年代相符，屬正常。内部四角另有少許填補。一較短側牙條為後配。"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby`s is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."来源: Eastern Pacific Co. (Hei Hung-Lu), Hong Kong, 30th March 1988. 東泰商行（黑洪祿），香港，1988年3月30日来源3: With its large, single-plank surface, this monumental table is designed to display the natural beauty of the highly prized huanghuali wood. The form of this table is known in Chinese as qiaotou (‘upturned end’). In his Zhang wu zhi jiao zhu (Treaties on Superfluous Things), the Ming scholar Wen Zhenheng (1585-1645) notes that in elegant examples of such tables ‘the end flanges must not be too sharp, but smooth and rounded which is the antique pattern’ (Craig Clunas, Chinese Furniture, London, 1988, p. 54), as exemplified by the present piece. Despite the name ‘altar table’ in English, such tables, as contemporary illustrations indicate, were often used as side tables. They were usually placed against a wall, hence are sometimes also called bi zhuo (‘wall table’), in the main hall of family compounds where important visitors were received and family ceremonies were held. Displaying flower vases, treasured antiques or contemporary art objects, tables of this type became representative of their owner’s status and level of refinement. For a related example, see a smaller huanghuali table (185cm) with everted flanges at the ends, but with a frame-and-panel top, lacking the horizontal stretchers and carved decorations at the corners, formerly in the Museum of Classical Chinese Furniture, Renaissance, California, subsequently sold at Christie’s New York, 19th September 1996, lot 22.