清十八世紀 黃花梨方凳一對

each with mat seat set in a rectangular framed top with ice-plate edge above a straight waist and simple beaded apron, supported on elegant square section beaded legs terminating in hoof feet and joined by humpback stretchers

1980年代末/1990年代初購自黑洪祿，香港

The pair of stools are in good condition with the exception of replaced hard matt seats, possibly replaced trimming strips, replaced seat struts, one apron replaced on one stool and minor surface scratches and 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."

本對束腰黃花梨凳四腿方材，下展挺拔內翻馬蹄足，突顯造形穩重。此羅鍋棖典型式樣小巧輕便，用途廣泛，流行自明代以降。George N. Kates論述，此類凳於唐朝被視為婦女座椅之典範，展示女性腰、頸、肩優雅線條而不失莊重，見《Chinese Household Furniture》，紐約，1948年，頁49。

比較黃花梨羅鍋棖束腰方凳四張成堂，出自葉承耀醫生收藏，曾展於《攻玉山房藏明式家具》，香港蘇富比，2015年，編號11；另一組出自Tseng Riddell收藏，曾展於《風華再現：明清家具收藏展》，台北，1999年，頁64-66；另有一對出自Dr Karl Benno Gruber收藏，售於紐約蘇富比2007年9月18日，編號77；再比一例，出自安思遠收藏，售於紐約佳士得2015年3月18日，編號130。是次拍賣並有一對相近作例，編號3，可資對比。