A set of six Italian red and yellow lacquered armchairs, Venetian mid 18th century, en suite with the following lot

each decorated `a merletto", with a cartouche shaped padded drop-in back and padded downscrolled arms and bowed seats on cabriole legs, the whole decorated with ribbon motifs, trellis lacework and flowers, the frame carved with rocaille and scrolls; upholsterd in a red 19th century lampas, the backs undecorated, the seats with original webbing

Joints sound and sturdy. All but one are reblocked. Backs are not decorated as is the norm with Italian seat furniture. Some very minor retouching to the painted decoration. Old very minor marks, chips and scratches as visible from photograph. The decoration on the arms and seat-rails of two chairs are slightly more worn than the rest and one has a blue paper label with the number 'XXX8' on the rear seat-rail. A very rare set in overall very 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. 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."

Comparative Literature:
G. Mariacher, Ca'Rezzonico an illustrated guide, Part II, Venice, 1967, no. 168.
G. Morazzoni, Il Mobile Veneziano del '700, Gorlich, Milan, 1958, Tav. CCCXXXI.
Saul Levy, Lacche Veneziane Settecentesche, Vol. I, Milan, 1967, Tav. I.

There is in the Museum Ca' Rezzonico, illustrated by Levy, op. cit., Tav. I, a green lacquered armchair of similar superb quality. Also see another related red lacquered armchair in the aforementioned Museum, illustrated by Mariacher, op. cit., no. 168. 

The `a merletto' decoration is extremely rare and its presence on seat furniture other than on this unique set of armchairs and the sofa (lot 118) is to date unrecorded. It can however, be found on a lacquered cupboard illustrated by Morazzoni, op. cit.,  Tav. CCCXXXI (Milan Private Collection), and reproduced here in fig.1.