清十八世紀 黃花梨方凳一對

each with soft-mat seat set in a square framed top with 'ice-plate' edge above a straight waist and simple beaded apron, supported on square section 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 stools are in good condition with the exception of replaced stretchers beneath the soft matt seat, possibly replaced trimming strips, a small patch to the top of one leg 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."

本品腿足微彎、馬蹄足、羅鍋棖，乃最廣為後人複製之中式家具之一。本凳座面編籐蓆，尤具特色。竹材加工逐漸式微，編籐工藝亦隨之衰落，如本品之編籐蓆座面，逐漸改為硬座。王世襄論述，軟編籐蓆座面緊貼人體結構，隨坐者姿勢變動輕微調整，兼具通風功效，明代以降，流行於蘇州及廣州等地，見《Connoissuership of Chinese Furniture. Ming and Early Qing Dynasties》，香港，1990年，卷1，頁 174。

比較黃花梨羅鍋棖長方凳四張成堂，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Karl Benno Gruber博士收藏，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。