VERY RARE, MARVELOUS, and ANTIQUE Pair Chinese Zitan Hardwood carved Hundred Dragons stands. Extraordinary angular Zitan hardwood table stand raised on parallelogram base. PROVENANCE:From Atlanta private collector, ORIGINAL RECEIPT, under Mr. Knowtton acquired from Stephen Gleason, Boston. Dated 3rd Nov 1832. The collar is intricately carved with a floral pattern that can be seen throughout. Just below the upper surface is an umbrella-shaped apron that flows into the angular mighty legs that run down to flaring wide footing standing. The lumber is blackish-purple in hue, and its fibers are loaded with deep red pigments which have been used for dye throughout the ages. The fine surface of the wood grain has a beautiful glow as the light is reflected. Very Dense Zitan hardwood throughout, with a fine grain. All reserved in hand master carved and the smooth surface elaborately carved with detailed dragons motif in deep reliefs with hundred dragons in various formation, enormous front facing imperial five-claws dragons standing, Yin and Yang formation, and snarling huge imperial dragon careening through cumulus clouds, scrolling ruyi above thrashing Li-Shui waves in a dark brown color dragon squama rounded the Zitan stands. Dragon is the symbol of the Emperor, the Son of Heaven, eternity, Yang and Yin, male vigor and fecundity, the Li-Shui wave pattern which is known to be the abode of dragons. The surface elaborately carved with detailed dragons motif in deep reliefs chasing a flame pearl within fumes clouds. Ornately lacquered after an imperial example with all over decoration of hundred dragons. The Zitan wood display smooth lustrous dense hardwood with dark green-brown patina and feathery fine grain. The deep carving is expertly done in detail, giving three dimensional appearance yet smoot to the touch, displayed a masterpiece of works on this valued dense Zitan wood material.Measurements: Height:36 1/8" Width:19 3/8" Depth:14" PROVENANCE:From Atlanta private collector, ORIGINAL RECEIPT, under Mr. Knowtton, acquired from Stephen Gleason, Boston. Dated 3rd Nov 1832.Lot Notes:Zitan is an extremely dense wood which sinks in water. It is a member of the rosewood family and is botanically classified in the Pterocarpus genus. The lumber is blackish-purple in hue, and its fibers are loaded with deep red pigments which have been used for dye throughout the ages. The entirety is encased in amazing relief carving which gives this box a captivating appearance.