A pair of huanghuali square tables with triple aprons and stretchers

Huanghuali and zitan were the most distinguished and expensive woods used for the highest quality Chinese furniture. The most prized examples date back to the late Ming (1368-1644) and early Qing (1644-1911) periods, when elegant design, meticulous craftsmanship and beautiful wood grains contributed to the peak of Chinese classical furniture.

For years there has been a debate among experienced collectors and new buyers as to whether antique Chinese furniture should be left in its found state with “original patina”, or whether it should be restored. This pair of huanghuali tables dating from the Ming Dynasty, 17th century, were found separately and illustrate perfectly the contrast between a piece with original patina and one which has been restored. Through this comparison, Andy Hei hopes to inspire young collectors to reflect on their own aesthetic taste and make up their own mind in this debate.