Chinese Huanghuali Table From Ming Dynasty, Imperial Chinese Silk and Gold Thread Carpet Available at Auction

Leading the upcoming Asian Arts sale from Brunk Auctions is a Chinese huanghuali scroll table. Probably belonging to the Ming dynasty, the tabletop is a single, thick board of huanghuali wood. The top board has bold scroll ends with dragon figural relief carved skirts. The side panels also have pierced carved dragon figures, centering a yin and yang motif. Huanghuali is composed of two terms: huali– yellow flowering pear wood, and huang– yellowish-brown color. In Chinese, huali is old wood with surfaces that have mellowed to a yellowish tone due to long exposure to light. Huanghuali is a member of the rosewood family, but the sweet fragrance of huali distinguishes it from the similar appearing but pungent hongmu wood.

Another distinguishable lot is an imperial Chinese silk and gold thread carpet. The carpet has vibrant, polychrome designs on a beige background. The silk carpet features nine five-clawed imperial dragons hunting the flaming pearl amid swirling clouds. It has a striped border and center panel with a Chinese inscription on the top that reads, “Hall of Preserving Harmony.” The edges are tasseled with sewn sleeve-fitting wood poles for a hanging display. It was previously owned by the Carlebach Gallery, New York (accompanied by a letter dated September 4, 1954). Several Chinese artifacts, works of art by notable Asian artists, furniture, ceramics, jade snuff bottles, and other items are available in the sale. Find the listed lots and more online auctions on Bidsquare.