A suite of Italian blue lacquered and carved giltwood seat furniture, Parma, circa 1780

comprising a sofa and four chairs, the sofa with an oblong back with curved ends with ribbon-tied floral top-rail, padded back, downscrolled arms on serpentine seat, the seat-rail with stylised Greek-key motif on fluted tapering legs and toupie feet, with similarly carved chairs with oval backs

In overall good conserved condition. The back of one chair which has a restored break and the sofa back are a little unstable and would benefit from some minor attention otherwise the joints are sound and sturdy. Old very minor marks and chips which are not too noticeable.There are scattered chips to the the feet. There are hairline construction cracks and scattered age cracks which are normal and can be left.The gilding is worn in places especially around the backs of the chairs. Evidence of old minor worm which appears to be no longer active. The sofa- the decoration is worn on the top-rail and there is a circular hole in the reverse of the back-rail.
"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:
Giuseppe Cirillo-Giovanni Godi, Il Mobile a Parma Fra Barocco e Romanticismo, 1600-1860, 1983, Ermano Albertelli, p.193 figs. 527, 528, p. 195, fig. 535, p. 196, figs. 540, 542, 543.
Luisa Bandera, Il Mobile Emiliano, Milan, 1972, p. 173, fig. 233.

This suite of seat furniture in the neo-classical style with stylised Greek key decoration appears on seat furniture originating from Parma and is influenced by French Louis XVI models. Several examples of seat furniture and tables with Greek key on the seat-rails and friezes are illustrated by Cirillo-Godi op. cit..

A chair with an oval pierced back with identical stylised Greek key motif on the seat-rail to that on the offered suite is illustrated by the same authors, op. cit., p. 196, fig. 543.