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

Sold, Christie's, London, July 3, 1997, lot 126 (£28,000)

Overall good condition; the pierced backrest with a small loss to laminated back approximately ½ inch by ¼ inch; some age cracks to the splat; the rails with extensive old worm damage and now reinforced with additional rails and with later corner blocks and struts; the seat webbing broken in need of re-upholstering; side brackets appear to be replaced; old repaired breaks to left side brackets; old repaired break to front left bracket; small section to left side of fret-carving to front left foot possibly replaced; overall with old marks, scratches, scuffs and bruises; rubbing and war to handholds and armrests consistent with age and use.
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.