A SUPERB CINNABAR LACQUER TABLE WITH JADE INLAYS QING DYNASTY, QIANLONG PERIOD

the rectangular top lacquered with a thin layer of red cinnabar incised through to the black layer beneath with an intricate wan diaper ground, enclosed with a narrow key-fret border along the edge, the sides carved with lotus flowers and foliage, supported on a waist decorated with a fret border, above a densely carved ruyi-shaped apron filled with swirling ruyi-head clouds continuing down all four sides of each leg terminating in hoofed feet, further inlaid with white jade bats, shou medallions, and chimes, the corner brackets on the legs each similarly carved with lotus flowers and leaves

Formerly in the collects ion of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
Christie's New York, 29th March 2006, lot 265.

The overall condition is very good with only some expected age cracks and minor chips along the edges that have been consolidated under light restoration and a few of the jade pieces replaced. Three of the legs have metal brackets on the underside for added support.
"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 stat.mes nt made by Replica Shoes '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."

The elaborate and exceptionally well carved high-relief decoration on the present table is a superb example of the vogue for carved furniture in the Qing dynasty. With the increasing use of glass for mirrors and glass vessels, the brighter conditions that resulted provided conditions in which fine decoration on furniture could be appreciated. Although the Qing court indulged in opulence and frequently applied precious materials to various lacquerwares, it is unusual to find cinnabar lacquer tables with jade inlay.

The carefully selected decorative motifs serve not only aesthetic but auspicious significance to the table. Bats (fu) have traditionally be the symbol of good fortune and fu is a pun for 'blessings'. The combination of bats, shou medallions and clouds of ruyi (wish-granting wands) symbolises the wish for many blessings, longevity and fulfilment of all wishes.  A sandalwood painting table, also decorated with bat and cloud patterns, from the Palace Museum, Beijing, is illustrated in The Complete collects ion of Treasures of the Palace Museum. Furniture of the Ming and Qing Dynasties (II), Beijing, 1985, pl. 135.

For a table of similar but simpler form and carved with dragons in waves, see ibid., pl. 107. See also a zitan table of similar shape and size but carved with foliate and archaic scrolls sold at Christie's Hong Kong, 26^th April 2004, lot 984.