86.5cm×51cm×51cm （34×20 1/8×20 1/8 in） 案面：309cm×51cm×8cm （463 1/2×76 1/2×12 in）

As a symbol of imperial power， the dragon motif reached its zenith during the Ming and Qing dynasties and was ubiquitous whether in objects and utensils， costumes and accessories， or screens and thrones. Its five-clawed variations were reserved exclusively for emperors to manifest their supremacy and can be found in openwork in the stands of the present table. Each of the two stands is decorated with eight five-clawed dragons carved in openwork， totalling 16 for the whole piece. The overall sumptuous character is achieved by employing to perfection various carving techniques including relief， openwork， full relief and intaglio. Impeccable in both material and craftsmanship， this trestle table is exemplary of furniture datable to the Qianlong reign.
Unsparing in time and effort， the stands have been intricately carved on not just one but on both sides. The outside is decorated with a pair of five-clawed dragons， wrapped in clouds， spiralling up from cliffs bombarded by tumultuous waters to vie for a flaming pearl. The dragon heads， claws and scales are so meticulous and convincing that they must have taken those artisans of the imperial workshop a considerable time to carve. To emphasize the momentum of the dragons， the inside is carved with cloud scrolls. While the ingenious design， delicate craftsmanship and florid decoration are unmistakably characteristic of Qing furniture， the insides， which could have been left undecorated for thriftiness， bespeak the opulence of the Qing court and in turn the prosperity of the Qing empire during the Qianlong reign.
The stands with round corners are made of zitan wood with an ox-hair grain， which has long been highly prized for its hardness， oiliness and glossiness. Although the aprons and spandrels are ornate， the pyramid-mitred， mortised and tenoned frames are relatively simple for visual contrast and balance. Supported by the stands is a dark， heavy and evenly grained tieli top measuring 8 cm thick. The beaded frames of the stands rest on a continuous floor stretcher standing on low feet decorated with angular spirals.

Price estimate:
HKD: 6,800,000 - 9,800,000
USD: 871,800 - 1,256,400

Auction Result:
HKD: --