A RARE PAIR OF 18TH CENTURY CHINESE HUANG HUA LI SIDE CHAIRS IN THE GEORGE II MANNER circa 1780

copied from a George II model, each with a double arched crest rail continuing to shaped uprights, and carved at the center with pendant acanthus leavers above pendant husks, the vase shaped splat carved at the edges with flat scrolls and pendant leaves, above a balloon shaped drop-in seat within a conforming seat rail, the cabriole legs carved at the knees with lion masks above pendant acanthus leaves and with scrolled brackets with ruffled edges and with claw and ball toes.

Bonhams, London, June 2001

Overall in excellent untouched condition, with fine old patinated surface with good variations to the color. Some old scratches and scuff to surface as usual and some rubbing to the extremities of the carving. The chair marked V has an old un-repaired fracture at the left hand corner of the crest. The joint with the splat slightly open due to shrinkage, and a small age crack to the right. The base of the splat with small vertical age crack and with a small loss to the flat scroll to the right. The front right toe with old fracture at the base. Chair marked V has an old age crack to the right hand upright and an old repair to the pad of the left back foot.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Made in China, the design of these chairs is based almost directly on a contemporary George II pattern, the carving, particularly on the backs and feet, being somewhat disproportionate and deeper than its English counterpart. Intended for export or for sale to local English merchants and ship-owners, it is interesting to note that almost identical English chairs in veneered and solid walnut are recorded, indicating that an actual chair rather than a drawing was used in their manufacture. An English chair is clearly depicted in a painting dated 1741 by William Verlest of the Gough Family, and it is reasonable to speculate that, as Sir Henry Gough was himself engaged in trade with India and China, this was the origin of the Chinese copies.

A number of other Chinese chairs of this model are known, including two arm chairs and four side chairs in the Lady Lever Collection at Port Sunlight, six side chairs with J. J. Wolff (Antiques) in 1966, one in the Milhender Collection, a set of side chairs and an armchair formerly with Devenish and now in a private New York Collection, a pair exhibited in London in 1997, and finally, a pair sold at Sotheby's, London, June 27, 1974, lot 6. It is interesting to note that the latter pair appears to retain its original caned drop-in seats.

Walnut chairs of this pattern are in the Collection of The Metropolitan Museum of Art, and in the Gerstenfeld Collection.

See:
Percy Macquoid, English Furniture, Tapestry and Needlework of the XVIth-XIXth Century, London, 1928, p. 50, no. 138, pl. 39

Artistic Beauty of Three Centuries, Exhibition Catalogue, New York, May 3-17, 1966, J. J. Wolff (Antiques) Ltd, New York, p. 84, six side chairs   

Sotheby's, London, June 27 and 28, 1974, lot 6, A collection of English Furniture, Barometers & Clocks, formed by a Gentleman Residing in New York

Carl L. Crossman, The Decorative Arts of the China Trade, Woodbridge, 1991, p. 233, colour plate 85

David S. Howard, A Tale of Three Cities - Canton, Shanghai & Hongkong, 1997, Exhibition Catalogue, p. 168, no. 217

Masterpieces of English Furniture - The Gerstenfeld Collection, Londom, 1998, pp. 80, 81, figs. 58, 59, 60