A set of nine Dutch walnut and marquetry side chairs mid 18th century

the shaped backs inlaid variously with dairy scenes, goats and cows beneath a canopy

Generally these chairs are in good condition. All have minor old worm damage. Three have repaired breaks to the top-rails with some staining and colouring in which could be improved on according to taste. Minor chips and losses to veneers. Some loose joints.
"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 present walnut and marquetry chairs can be linked to a chair of an almost identical form  (originally part of a larger set)  from Kilkenny Castle, now in the collection of the National Museum of Ireland and illustrated in The Knight of Glin and James Peill, Irish Furniture, 2007, p.5, pl. 56. The Kilkenny Castle chair is signed Maher Fecit Kilkenny 1744 and is of such a similar form to the present set of chairs suggesting that they too could have been made by the same maker. Glin and Peill speculate that the Kilkenny Castle chair and the others comprising the set could have been introduced to Ireland by a Dutch émigré worker and then continued by an Irish chair-maker. They mention that the filigree panels of marquetry were probably supplied to a number of cabinet-makers as almost the same lambrequin motif appears on the trympana above the interior doors on a desk in  Florence Court and also a monumental bureau-cabinet at Castletown, Co, Kildare, illustrated The Knight of Glin and James Peill, op. cit. pl. 57 and 58.