A set of ten Italian walnut and embossed leather upholstered dining chairs Lombard, mid 18th Century

each with an arched padded back centred by a hunter with a hound framed by scrolling and foliate decoration above a padded seat with a shaped apron on carved cabriole legs and scrolled feet 

In fair/good general condition. The condition of the leather upholstery varies from chair to chair though on all chairs the upholstery is intact. All of the backs have some areas of repair with some replaced sections especially to the bases. On all but two of the chairs the seats are much darker and the embossing less defined than the backs, the seats too have numerous patches and cracks to the leather. The walnut has minor marks commensurate with age. There is some woodworm damage. Very elegant suite and rare. To discuss this lot in greater detail please call Edward Rising on 00 44 207 293 5507, or email Edward.Rising@sothebys.com
"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:
Clelia Alberici, Il Mobile Lombardo, Milan, 1969, p. 128.
Andrea Disertori, Il Mobile Mombardo, Milan, 1992, p. 82.
A. Midana, L'arte del legno in Piemonte nel 600 e 700, Turin, 1924, plate 264.
This type of chair with embossed leather upholstery is typical of seat furniture originating from Lombardy in the 18th century. The sinuous outline based on Louis XV models can be see on a pair of chairs illustrated by Disertori, op. cit., p. 82.  
Cuio Impresso or tooled leather was often used to upholster Lombard chairs in the 17the and 18^th century giving them a sober almost austere look. Several examples have survived, although not in such an extensive number as the present set which is very rare. Examples of Lombard chairs upholstered in cuoio impresso are recorded in the Civiche raccolte of Castello Sforzesco in Milan (Gilda Rosa, I Mobili nelle Civiche Raccolte Artistiche di Milano, Milano, 1963, cat. 281-287, pp. 109-110.

A related set of twelve embossed leather upholstered chairs of earlier date was sold in these Rooms, lot 207, from the collection of Giuseppe Rossi, 10th-12th March 1999, for £24,000. 

Also see a pair of embossed leather upholstered Lombard sofas of late 18th century date, offered for sale in these Rooms, 9th June 2004, lot 115.