65.5×65.5×23 cm (25 3/4×25 3/4×9 in)

gaming boards; illustrations of stools like the present example appear to be very rare. It is likely that this four-sided footstool was a specific and rather innovative private commission due to the size of the persons who would use it.
The square top frame secures a circular medallion carved with a curling vegetal scroll secured within a square lattice and is flanked on all four sides by a single tapered cylindrical roller. Above the low waist, the outer edge of the frame is slightly grooved. The squared legs have integral curved spandrels leading from the low hoof feet that provide additional structural support to the straight plain apron.
Footstools may have been standard accoutrements for placement under square tables in the winter; in the summer, ice chests may have been taken off their raised stands and placed in similar positions to gain an iota of coolness for feet under the tables. Ice chests were also for the cooling of fruit, wine and other refreshments.
——Robert Hatfield Ellsworth, Chinese Funiture: One Hundred and Three Examples from the Mimi and Raymond Hung Collection Ⅱ

PREFACE
Robert Hatfield Ellsworth
In October or November 1990 I was introduced to the Hungs at one of the memorable dinners hosted by Gloria and Kingsley K. W. Liu. Soon after, I was invited to dinner at the Hungs to see their furniture. This was the beginning of a very pleasurable friendship and project.
The Hungs came to my apartment at the New World in Kowloon and asked if I would be interested in helping them with their collection of Chinese furniture. They immediately and graciously agreed to dispose of most of what they already owned. We came to an arrangement whereby I would help them with all or most of their future purchases. At the time it seemed to be a very interesting enterprise and, over the next fifteen years, proved to be a very successful one.
Many important pieces illustrated in these two volumes came from Hong Kong sources…and many other respected dealers. Others were bought at auctions around the world.
The Hungs and I had many other enjoyable meetings, mainly after the acquisition of a major purchase. Our relationship became more and more steadfast as they realized that they were building what is today the largest and finest collection of early Chinese furniture in private hands.
Raymond wrote to me after I asked him for suggestions concerning this preface. He was insistent I emphasize that, as good items are becoming fewer and fewer, "we appreciate Robert's continuing advice which assisted us in the selection of the majority of this collection."
Excerpts of preface of Chinese Furniture:the Hung Collection VOLⅡ

Price estimate:
HKD: 200,000 - 300,000
USD: 25,700 - 38,500

Auction Result:
HKD: 1,680,000