A polychrome-painted and parcel-gilt leather sedan chair, probably Italian, 18th century

the sides, back and front decorated with scrolled foliate cartouches centring classical female figures and putti, the interior upholstered with red floral fabric, restorations

Formerly on loan at Museum Beeckestijn at Velsen, since 2006 closed for public. 

Overall losses to gilding and polychromy due to usage and ageing as well as several hairline cracks to paint and some wood cracks, inner fabric of later date and in overall good condition, right window with slightly loose glass.
"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."

The litter vehicle was already used in the Ancient World and is a worldwide phenomenon. The simplest form, often called a stretcher, consists of a piece of fabric attached along its length to poles or stretched inside a frame. When two poles are lashed to a chair, a basic sedan chair is created. In the 18th century coaches and tow-boats were utillized for long distances, sedan chairs or carriages that could be dragged were used for city journeys. The former was in this century  one of the most common ways of city transportation among the high class society. Mostly women preferred the sedan chair but used it only for short 'walks' since carrying it was a heavy physical effort. A trip in a sedan chair did not only serve a functional purpose, it was also used as a means of flaunting one´s status and elegance.