The rectangular top with flared ends, centered by a shaped cartouche, enclosing a pair of sinuous dragons contending a flaming pearl among ruyi-head form flames and clouds, the cartouche against a wan (萬) diaper ground, the borders with similar shaped cartouches, with six additional dragons among clouds, all in various shades of reds, oranges, and browns, raised on molded straight legs with flanged knees, joined by a scrolled skirt, incised with stylized bats and cloud scrolls, the feet joined by slightly humped horizontal stretchers, the underside lacquered black.

PROVENANCE:

Property from a private collection, Bucks County, Pennsylvania

NOTE:

For a similar, closely related example see the stand sold at Christie's London, May 12 2009, lot 85. See also the example illustrated by Fang Jing Pei in "Treasures of the Chinese Scholar", New York, 1997, p. 70, fig. 55.