A Pair of Mother-of-Pearl Inlaid Brown Lacquer Armchairs Qing Dynasty, 18th Century

each with a rectangular splat beneath a shaped top rail, the cane seat flanked by angular scroll arms, on four square sectioned supports joined by stretchers, each splat inlaid in mother-of-pearl and incised with an exotic bird on a branch above a peony bloom, the remainder inlaid with floral meanders, shou characters and angular scrolls, on a speckled brown lacquered ground (2)

The lacquer with minor filled and replaced areas throughout. There are scattered areas of replaced mother-of-pearl on both chairs. Otherwise in overall good condition.
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.

Lacquered furniture reached its height in the Ming period and was highly valued, more so than its wood-made peers. It was not until the increase in imported hardwoods, such as huanghuali and zitan, in the late Ming dynasty, that any other furniture came to compete with lacquer for creating an impression of status.

Compare a similar pair of chairs sold in our London rooms, 28th October 1988, lot 85.