An Anglo-Indian ivory armchair Murshidabad, 2nd quarter 19th century

The Hochschild Collection, sold Sotheby's London, 1 December 1978, lot 165 (£3,000).

The Property of a Gentleman, Christie's London, 6 April 2000, lot 234, (£67,500).

Good general condition. Re-caned. Characteristic shrinkage cracks throughout. One rear leg with reapired break. Small chip to base of one leg above chased gilt-brass cap. Minor restorations to spindles aprons at joins with legs. Minor general filled repairs. Good consistent colour. Minor marks. Extremely fine quality carving.
"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. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

This armchair closely relates in the form of the spindle decoration to an example in the collections of the Victoria and Albert Museum, London, which is illustrated in Amin Jaffer, 'Tipu Sautan, Warren Hastings and Queen Charlotte: the mythology and typology of Anglo-Indian ivory Furniture', Burlington Magazine, May 1999, p.208, fig.30. Furniture from this region and other similar armchairs are illustrated and discussed in Amin Jaffer, Furniture From British India and Ceylon, London, 2001,nos 87 and 88, pp. 257-261.