A PAIR OF 'HUANGHUALI' LOW-BACK ARMCHAIRS (MEIGUI YI) QING DYNASTY, EARLY 18TH CENTURY

each with an open-back frame formed by a straight toprail rounding the corners to the back posts, set with an inset beaded border apron and spandrels finely carved with archaistic T-scrolls, the straight arms continuing down to form the front posts, also inset with a beaded apron and spandrels with ruyi-cloud silhouettes, the hard cane set within a rectangular frame, surmounted by a lattice rail at the rear and sides, the legs connected by a beaded apron carved with scrolling tendrils, with spandrels running the length to the foot stretcher, the rear and sides with curved aprons and spandrels, the front and side stretchers with narrow plain aprons and short spandrels (2)

Acquired from Barry Sainsbury Oriental Art, London, 1982.

Originally a soft cane seat and later converted into a hard cane surface. Missing aprons on sides of legs below stretcher, both requiring minor regluing. Top rail of one arm is tielimu and was likely replaced at an early date. In otherwise good condition.
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.

Meigui yi, or 'rose chairs', are the smallest of the standard chair designs in Chinese furniture, making them appropriate for both indoor and outdoor use. The T-scrolls and carved apron on the chairs are similar to a pair attributed to the early Kangxi period, illustrated in Robert Hatfield Ellsworth, Chinese Furniture: One Hundred and Three Examples from the Mimi and Raymond Hung Collection, Hong Kong, 2005, pl. 17. The present pair, however, is notable for the inclusion of the beaded apron and flanges under the arms. Another pair in the Dr. S. Y. Yip Collection of Classic Chinese Furniture, attributed to the 17th century, illustrated in Grace Wu Bruce, Dreams of Chu Tan Chamber and the Romance with Huanghuali Wood, Hong Kong 1991, pl. 6, is slightly more simplistic with straight uncarved aprons. A set of four with uncarved arched stretchers and vertical braces, from the Property of Barling of Mount Street, Ltd., was sold in these rooms, 2nd December 1992, lot 606.