Altar Table
An 18th century gargoyle ‘Dinemonyo’ altar table
Estimate: PHP 1,800,000 - 2,000,000
1st half, 18th century
Manila
Balayong wood, engraved metal mounts
84 x 109 x 72 cm (33 x 43 x 28 1/2 in)
Provenance:
Formerly from a prominent family in Manila
Called colloquially as dinemonyo table, it is one of the most elusive pieces of early Hispano-Filipino furniture, considered arguably as the pinnacle object to many serious furniture collectors and connoisseurs. An authentic example with original members is an extremely rare find. The earliest altar tables made by Chinese artisans residing in Batangas were copied from Ming dynasty tables as they both shared the same simplistic, rectilinear profile – a product of pragmatic design and simple joinery based on practical rather than aesthetic considerations. Later on, masks that resemble gargoyles on the knees above the legs and ball-and-claw feet were added as ornamentals. At first commissioned by friars for exclusive use in churches, later emulated by the affluent principalia and ilustrado families on which to display their venerated ivory santos. In other cultures, as from 6th century Japan, roof ornaments made from fired clay, stone, or wood called Onigawara gargoyles have been used in Buddhist temples to stop leaks. In European architecture, medieval cathedrals have had carved grotesque creatures with spouts to redirect water from the roof away from the side of the building to prevent the erosion of the mason work. The gargoyles are supposedly illustrated evil as they are intended to turn away evil and harm. Among the Chinese, guardian lions made of stone were placed in front of imperial palaces and tombs, temples, and government offices as they were believed to have powerful protective benefits.
The rectangular paneled top is enclosed by a frame with ice-plate edge to soften the edges and disguise its thickness. Below are two large drawers fitted with umbrella bosses, ornate protective key plates, and O-ring pulls. Reinforced at the sides by flanges with billowing, cloud-like outlines, so do the aprons that connect the gargoyle or ‘demonyo’ masks on all four corners. These demonyo masks have raised fluted top hair, bulging eyes, prominent nose, mouth agape revealing some teeth and fangs, and scrolling facial hair, striking a menacing and powerful demeanor. The cabriole legs show the delineations of the lion’s lower leg before terminating in deep, highly detailed ball and claw foot grasping a ball, resting on round-edged stretchers surmounted on ogee feet. Assembled using ancient Chinese mortise and tenon (closed and through types), as well as dovetail, the joints remain firm and strong.
Made of highly prized indigenous rosewood known as balayong (Afzelia rhomboidea), it has reddish brown color that tends to darken even more with age and has natural luster. Very difficult to work on due to its durability and interlocking grain. The craftsmanship and condition of this table is comparable to, if not better, than some similar tables kept in museums and top-notch private collections.
Lot 120 of the Salcedo Auctions auction on June 25, 2022. Please see salcedoauctions.com for more information.
Altar Table
An 18th century gargoyle ‘Dinemonyo’ altar table
Estimate: PHP 1,800,000 - 2,000,000
1st half, 18th century
Manila
Balayong wood, engraved metal mounts
84 x 109 x 72 cm (33 x 43 x 28 1/2 in)
Provenance:
Formerly from a prominent family in Manila
Called colloquially as dinemonyo table, it is one of the most elusive pieces of early Hispano-Filipino furniture, considered arguably as the pinnacle object to many serious furniture collectors and connoisseurs. An authentic example with original members is an extremely rare find. The earliest altar tables made by Chinese artisans residing in Batangas were copied from Ming dynasty tables as they both shared the same simplistic, rectilinear profile – a product of pragmatic design and simple joinery based on practical rather than aesthetic considerations. Later on, masks that resemble gargoyles on the knees above the legs and ball-and-claw feet were added as ornamentals. At first commissioned by friars for exclusive use in churches, later emulated by the affluent principalia and ilustrado families on which to display their venerated ivory santos. In other cultures, as from 6th century Japan, roof ornaments made from fired clay, stone, or wood called Onigawara gargoyles have been used in Buddhist temples to stop leaks. In European architecture, medieval cathedrals have had carved grotesque creatures with spouts to redirect water from the roof away from the side of the building to prevent the erosion of the mason work. The gargoyles are supposedly illustrated evil as they are intended to turn away evil and harm. Among the Chinese, guardian lions made of stone were placed in front of imperial palaces and tombs, temples, and government offices as they were believed to have powerful protective benefits.
The rectangular paneled top is enclosed by a frame with ice-plate edge to soften the edges and disguise its thickness. Below are two large drawers fitted with umbrella bosses, ornate protective key plates, and O-ring pulls. Reinforced at the sides by flanges with billowing, cloud-like outlines, so do the aprons that connect the gargoyle or ‘demonyo’ masks on all four corners. These demonyo masks have raised fluted top hair, bulging eyes, prominent nose, mouth agape revealing some teeth and fangs, and scrolling facial hair, striking a menacing and powerful demeanor. The cabriole legs show the delineations of the lion’s lower leg before terminating in deep, highly detailed ball and claw foot grasping a ball, resting on round-edged stretchers surmounted on ogee feet. Assembled using ancient Chinese mortise and tenon (closed and through types), as well as dovetail, the joints remain firm and strong.
Made of highly prized indigenous rosewood known as balayong (Afzelia rhomboidea), it has reddish brown color that tends to darken even more with age and has natural luster. Very difficult to work on due to its durability and interlocking grain. The craftsmanship and condition of this table is comparable to, if not better, than some similar tables kept in museums and top-notch private collections.
Lot 120 of the Salcedo Auctions auction on June 25, 2022. Please see salcedoauctions.com for more information.