A set of twelve Italian leather upholstered grey painted and parcel-gilt chairs, Piedmont, mid 18th century

each with a cartouche shaped studded leather back and serpentine seat above a shaped seat-rail carved with a stylised scallopshell and foliage with similarly carved knees on cabriole legs terminating in scrolled feet; some retouching to the painted decoration; some variation in carving

Some of the chair backs are a little unstable. The leather upholstery is nicely worn with craqueleur with some losses and patches as seen in catalogue photograph. Some of the seats have their original webbing. Some minor chips to the carving on mainly to the scroll feet but these can easily be touched up. The paint is distressed notably to the back of some of the chairs.
"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 gilt decoration and the central scallopshell to the base of the chairs, are demonstrative of the influence of the mid 18th century French rococo style, often seen in chairs from the Piemonte region. For chairs with similar rococo influence see Roberto Antonetto, Il Mobile Piemontese Nel Settecento, 2010, vol. II, p. 144, pl. 12-13. A similar set of chairs were sold, The Alberto Bruni Tedeschi Collection, Sotheby's, London, 21 March 2007, lot 243 (£84,000).