A Pair of Huanghuali Rose Chairs, Meiguiyi Early Qing Dynasty

each with open-back frame formed by a straight top rail rounding the corners to the back posts, inset with a openwork C-scroll panel, the straight arms continuing down to form the front posts and also inset with openwork C-scroll panels, the mat seat set within a rectangular frame, all above a beaded cusped apron and spandrels carved with C-scrolls to the front legs and a plain beaded apron and spandrels to the sides, the legs joined by stretchers and a footrest 

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

The pair of rose chairs are in very good condition with the exception of replaced hard matt seats, possible replacement to the trimming strips, some replaced bottom aprons, replaced bottom apron of both footrests, a 2cm., wide chip to the back edge of one seat, a 12cm., wide burn mark and slight depression to the front edge of one seat (the right chair as illustrated) and minor surface 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."

Meiguiyi, or ‘rose chairs’, are the smallest of the standard chair designs in Chinese furniture, making them appropriate for both indoor and outdoor use. Compare a zitan low-back armchair of this type, similarly carved with a geometric scroll, once held at the Daode Hall and now in the Palace Museum, Beijing, illustrated in A Treasure of Ming and Qing Dynasty Furniture, Beijing, 2007, vol. 1., pl. 104; a pair of huanghuali chairs 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; and a chair attributed to the Ming dynasty in the Central Academy of Arts and Crafts, Beijing, illustrated in Wang Shixiang, Classic Chinese Furniture. Ming and Early Qing Dynasties, San Francisco, 1986, pl. 42.