A Chinese-export padouk open armchair mid-18th century

the pierced rounded rectangular back with a solid baluster splat, with shepherd's crook arms, above a padded rounded seat covered in associated gros and petit-point needlework worked with birds and flowers in a cartouche with foliate border, on a foliage headed X-shaped supports centred by a scallop shell, on pad feet, restorations

Anonymous sale, Christie's London, 7 July 1988, lot 133;
The Property of a Gentleman, Christie's London, 23 April 1998, lot 214.

Generally in very good condition. There has been some old restoration to the central horizontal supports joining the splats to the uprights, which is viisble from the reverse. There are some age cracks to the base of the splat. Later braces to the inside of the rails. Re-finished. The later needlework incorporating petit and gros point techniques, has repairs.
"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."

A walnut chair of related design is in the Untermyer Collection at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York and illustrated in J. Gloag and Y. Hackenbroch, English Furniture with Some Furniture of Other Countries in the Irwin Untermyer Collection, London, 1958, pl. 55.