A George III mahogany 'Chinese' open armchair after a design by Thomas Chippendale Circa 1765

The Duncan Collection

Sold, Christie's, London, November 13, 1997 lot 78 (£13,800)

Re-railed; overall fair condition; the backrest with old repaired breaks to the fret carving and to the scrolled acanthus supports to center at join with cresting rail; some small losses and replacements to the laminated fretwork especially to the back; old repaired long break to left stile running to the top of the leg and with plugs; old repaired break to top of left pierced bracket beneath left armrest; small replacement to tip of right pierced bracket beneath right armrest; armrest supports each with two plugs at join with side rail; lacking brackets and with subsequent infilled holes to legs; front left leg with loss to element of fretcarving to front left corner; front right foot with loss to bottom left corner left side and bottom edge of fret carving; overall with old marks, scratches, scuffs and bruises.
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.

The present chair relates to a design for a `Chinese Chair' published by Thomas Chippendale in The Gentleman and Cabinet-Makers Director, 3rd edition, 1762, pl. XXVIII. They are designated as `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 suite Chinese Tempels (sic).'

A similar 'Chinese' armchair also indebted to Chippendale's design and which is part of a suite of furniture including a set of four side chairs and a settee, can be found in the Lady Lever Art Gallery and illustrated in Lucy Wood, The Upholstered Furniture in The Lady Lever Art Gallery, 2008, 2 vols., vol II, pp. 583-594.