A Pair of Huanghuali and Wumu Hexagonal Armchairs, Liufang Fushou Shubeiyi Qing Dynasty, 18th Century

each with straight toprail supported on the slender back posts continuing down to the back legs and eight vertical spindles, the angled straight arms supported on straight front posts continuing down to the side legs and four vertical spindles, the hexagonal frame with mat seat above a wumu humpback apron and extended spandrels between the front legs, repeated to the other legs and joined by wrap around stretchers

Purchased from Hei Hung-Lu, Hong Kong, late 1980s/early 1990s.

The pair of chairs are in good condition with the exception of replaced hard matt seats and struts, possibly replaced trimming strips, minor replacements to the ebony inner aprons and minor surface scratches and wear commensurate with age.
"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."

The elegant simplicity of the lines and the attractive contrast of the wumu against the lighter huanghuali make this pair of chairs special. Their form as well as their vertical spindles, rounded corners and double structural members derive from bamboo chair construction, where small stalks of bamboo were used on the back and sides of chairs to increase their strength and stability. A hexagonal chair with similar spindle back, from the collection of Harold Acton, is illustrated in Gustav Ecke, Chinese Domestic Furniture, Rutland, 1962, pl. 88; and another with a panelled splat is published in Tian Jiaqing, ‘Appraisal of Ming Furniture’, Chinese Furniture. Selected articles from Orientations 1984-1999, Hong Kong, 1999, p. 139, pl. 5, together with a Ming dynasty (1368-1644) example, pl. 4.