A FINE HUANGHUALI YOKEBACK ARMCHAIR (SICHUTOU GUANMAOYI) MING DYNASTY, 17TH CENTURY

the arched crestrail with projecting ends above a 'S'-curved rectangular splat, the curving armrests flaring outwards and decorated with shaped spandrels at their supporting posts, the rectangular seat with woven soft cane matting within the mitered frame and above an apron carved with beaded edge and barbed outline, the footrest, stretchers and straight aprons with short brackets, a pair of transverse braces on the underside

Nicholas Grindley, Barlings Ltd., London, 1989.

The armchair is in overall good condition. There is a small sanded down area along the crestrail and the spandrels are replaced. The wood is attractively grained and of a good dark honey color.
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.

For a general discussion on the basic model and elegant decorative vocabulary of these chairs, see Curtis Evarts, 'From Ornate to Unadorned, A Study of Yokeback Chairs', Journal of the Chinese Classical Furniture Society, Spring 1993, pp. 24-33. Compare also with a pair or armchairs formerly in the Museum of Classical Chinese Furniture and sold at Christie's New York, 19th September 1996, lot 85.  Additionally a fine example of the form but with carved decoration sold in these rooms 14th September 2011, lot 125.