明末清初 黃花梨圈椅一對

each with curving toprail sloping down to the arms supported on serpentine side posts and terminating in a curved hook beyond the corner posts set with shaped spandrels, the backsplat carved with a ruyi-shaped panel enclosing a stylised altar emblem, the back corner posts continuing below the rectangular frame, with mat seat, to the back legs joined by stepped stretchers and a footrest, the front legs with a cusped arching apron carved with foliate scrolls extending from the beaded edge

1980年代末/1990年代初購自黑洪祿，香港

The pair of five-section horseshoe back chairs are in good condition with the exception of possibly replaced front spandrels to both, some replacements to the inner aprons, a small patch to the left rear corner of one seat, replaced aprons on both footrests and typical 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."

本對圈椅搭腦連接扶手，線條流麗。圈椅常見於明清木刻版畫，多為成對或四件，用於進餐、作畫或款客。圈椅亦可加長桿於左右，作達官貴人之官轎。Craig Clunas敘述，此類椅展示坐者權勢，乃上賓之椅，見《Chinese Furniture》，倫敦，1988年，（見頁24）。

圈椅之結構源自竹圈椅，工匠拗彎竹竿成弧形，再以天然物材綁緊。其後不久，木匠改用木材製作圈椅，以巧工妙思，發展技法，一木連做弧形椅圈。

可參考數例，靠背板刻開光紋飾，其一圖見Sarah Handler，《Ming Furniture in the Light of Chinese Architecture》，柏克萊，2005年，頁113；另一例為安思遠舊藏，載於《Chinese Furniture. Hardwood Examples of the Ming and Early Ch’ing Dynasties》，紐約，1971年，圖版18，售於紐約佳士得2015年3月18日，編號139；兩對售於紐約蘇富比，先後為1987年10月9/10日，編號440及1992年6月3日，編號355；再比一例，售於紐約佳士得2011年3月24日，編號1386。