A RARE PAIR OF GEORGE III CARVED MAHOGANY ARM CHAIRS circa 1765

each with an upright back with a shaped crest rail above a panel with geometric pierced 'Chinese' lattice work ornamented at the top with foliate scroll carving, the arms with paper scroll terminals and carved with foliage continuing to incurved supports, and similarly in-filled with Chinese lattice work, the upholstered drop-in seats within narrow moldings above plain conforming seat rails, the square molded legs with paneled ornament and with pierced brackets and joined by H-stretchers, the back legs slightly outswept and chamfered, each with the inventory number 1958-465, 1 and 2.

With Charles Angell of Bath, circa 1929
William Blaythwayt, Eagle House, Batheaston, Somerset
Thence by descent to Miss M. Blaythwayt, and sold for her executors by Messrs, Curtis and Henson, on the premises, March 29-30, 1962
With Mallett & Son (Antiques) Ltd. London
The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, Williamsburg, Virginia, acquired with assistance of R. W. Symonds
Christie's, New York, January 26, 1996, lot 528

In very good overall condition with excellent old waxed surface of good color with usual old marks, scratches and wear to surface overall. The 'Chinese' lattice work panels are of a laminated construction with some old cracks overall and with some old regluing. The carving with slight rubbing at top of arms. Repairs and pinning of the joints of the arms with the backs. some old age cracks to backrests. Upholstered seat frames later. An elegant and finely conceived pair of chairs requiring the minimal amount of restoration other than a good clear natural waxing.
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.

These elegant chairs are in the Chinese as shown in various designs for 'Chinese Chairs' published by Thomas Chippendale in The Gentleman and Cabinet-Maker's Director, published in three editions between 1754 and 1763. He notes in reference to plates XXVI, XXVII and XVII in the third edition of 1763 that these are 'Mine Designs of Chairs after the Chinese Manner, and are very proper for a Lady's Dressing Room: especially if it is hung with India Paper; They will likewise suit Chinese Temples. They have commonly Cane-Bottoms, with loose Cushions; but if required, it may have stuffed seats with Brass Nails'. Plate XXVI  shows an arm chair with a very similar back with Grecian-fretted corners, he other designs showing variants of the swept crest rails. Other designs were also published by Robert Manwaring in The Cabinet and Chair-Maker's Real Friend and Companion, 1765, and in A Society of Upholsterers' Genteel Household Furniture, in the Present Taste, 2^nd edition, c. 1765. Plate 21 shows 'Elbow Chairs', the left hand example being of a related design to the present chairs, one of the legs being ornamented with Gothic panels. The design of the chairs is not only enhanced by the exceptional quality of the mahogany used in their construction, but also the fineness of the moldings and subtle delicacy of the carved ornament.