A PAIR OF HUANGHUALI CONTINUOUS YOKEBACK ARMCHAIRS (NANGUANMAOYI) 17TH / 18TH CENTURY

each with a shaped headrest set on the curved crestrail, supported on slightly S-shaped backsplat and backposts continuing through the seat frame to form the straight back legs, the sinuous armrails supported on an S-shaped brace and straight front post continuing through the frame to form the front legs, the hard mat seat of standard miter, mortise and tenon construction, the edge molded and tapering inwards, the legs joined by a plain spanedrel-ed apron and a footrail, side and back stretchers of ascending height (2)

Collection of General Joseph Stilwell (1883-1946), and thence by descent.
Xanadu Gallery, San Francisco.

The crest rail of one with patched and filled repairs to both back posts and splat due to a break. The base of the splat with a filled repair. Both seats reinforced with a later added interior frame. The other chair with a small patch to where the top rail joins one of the back posts. Small filled holes indicate that both chairs had strap mounts on the crest rail reinforcing the joints. There are patch and fill repairs to each arm of both chairs where they join the front posts. There is later added internal wood frame to the underside of each seat. It is possible that there are replacements to the stretcher aprons.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

The present pair of armchairs comeS from the collection of General Joseph W. Stilwell (1883-1946). Born in Florida, and a graduate of the West Point Military Academy, Stilwell distinguished himself early in his career. In World War I he served with the American Expeditionary Force in Europe, as well as in the Philippines. He was also a student of the Chinese language, which garnered him a position as military attache in Peking from 1935 to 1939.  It was during this period that Stilwell most likely acquired the present pair of armchairs. His years of involvement and aid to China were honored in 1991 when the Chinese government opened the General Joseph W. Stilwell Museum in Chongqing.

A similar pair of armchairs, taller than the present pair, from the Dr. S. Y. Yip Collection, was sold in our Hong Kong rooms, 7th October 2015, lot 111.