Lot 3008. A huanghuali chest with drawers, late Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). Estimate 380,000 — 550,000 HKD. Lot sold 875,000 HKD. Photo: Sothebys.
of rectangular form, constructed with a removable panel door at the front with a baitong circular lock plate and side lock, above a reticulated baitong shaped door pull suspending from a chrysanthemum-shaped plate, all framed by baitong ruyi-shaped protective plates inset to each corner of the panel, the sides of the box flanked by a pair of rectangular handles, each suspended from a pair of rhombus-shaped plates and resting on one further plate, above a metal fitting with an opening to allow the threading through of a band or string for carriage, the edges of the chest reinforced with baitong strips, the interior housing six drawers, each with a pair of metal pulls; 35.5 by 42 by 26.6 cm, 14 by 16 1/2 by 10 1/2 in.
Note: Chests of this design with drawers are quite rare in surviving examples from the classical period.
Sotheby's, Ming Furniture – Portable Treasures, Hong Kong, 05 Oct 2016