A PAIR OF HUANGHUALI SIMULATED BAMBOO ARMCHAIRS (NANGUANMAOYI), 17TH / 18TH CENTURY

each with members simulating bamboo sections, the cylindrical crestrail, surmounting a rectangular bowed splat comprised of three sections, the upper carved with a ruyi medallion within a 'bamboo' frame, continuing to straight posts through the molded and tiered seat frame supported by narrow shaped and open brackets of bent 'bamboo', the cylindrical legs joined by stepped stretchers and a foot rest (2)

It is likely that the spandrels, side and front aprons and foot rests are replaced. The chairs have been marginally reduced in height. There has been repair and consolidation to the joins.
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.

Huanghuali armchairs in a bamboo design are very unusual and are represented in very few collections. A set of huanghuali horseshoeback armchairs (Quanyi) in simulated bamboo is in the collection of the Nelson Atkins Museum of Art in Kansas City; other examples are represented in private collections. Tian Jiaqing, Classic Chinese Furniture of the Qing Dynasty, Hong Kong, 1996, illustrates two examples of lowback armchairs, pl. 22 and 43. Perhaps the most frequently seen examples of chairs in this rare style are lowback armchairs, meiguiyi, but similar armchairs in a yokeback form are exceedingly rare.