A RARE MOTHER-OF-PEARL INLAID BROWN LACQUER SIDE CHAIR, YITONGBEI EARLY QING DYNASTY

with a stepped crest rail above a slender curved central splat, the side posts continuing through the frame, above archaistic openwork aprons, the legs of square section joined by stretchers, the splat inlaid in mother-of-pearl with a circular and rectangular medallion, each enclosing a pair of confronted kui dragons against a trellis diaper ground, variations of which are repeated on the crest rail, side posts, seat, legs and stretchers, with a lotus scroll border framing the seat and gilded highlights to the apron

A Noble Belgian Family Collection.

This chair is in reasonable condition, but their is loss of lacquer and wear to the front stretcher. There is also loss of lacquer to the lower section of each leg. There is loss of lacquer to each corner of the seat and spliting and wear to the lacquer to its surface. There are also two areas of lacquer loss to the back of the splat.
"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."

A chair similarly inlaid in mother-of-pearl with this rare design, from the collection of the Duchess of Richelieu, is illustrated in Michel Beurdeley, L'Amateur Chinois des Han au XXe Siècle, Fribourg, 1966, p. 81.