A PAIR OF HUANGHUALI CONTINUOUS YOKEBACK ARMCHAIRS (NANGUANMAOYI) 17TH / 18TH CENTURY

each with an elegantly arched crestrail with flattened headrest curving towards the corner posts which bow slightly before passing through the frame to form the back legs, centered by a very attractively figured S-curved rectangular splat with a carved and beaded central medallion enclosing a stylized shou character, the gently serpentine armrests continuing to the corner posts, the soft-mat seat enclosed within a molded and beaded frame, the front apron and flange brackets beaded, cusped and barbed, the center carved in low relief with scrolling and entwined grasses, the side aprons shaped and beaded, the legs joined by footrail, side and back stretchers of ascending height, the underside with two bowed transverse braces (2)

Both toprails have been reattached and there appears to be filled repairs to splits or breaks to one of the 'yokes'. There are patch repairs to the back posts and patch repairs to the top of the front posts where they join the arm of one chair and filled repairs to the other. The back aprons appear to have been replaced and it is possible that there may be other replacements of stretchers and aprons.
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.

With long seamless lines and elegant proportions, continuous yokeback armchairs are a classic Ming dynasty form. The ranking of chairs in the Ming period was hierarchical with large size and high back chairs designated more important, indicating that the present pair would have been reserved for the master of the house and honored guests. The decorative elements, the circular medallion on the splat, the beaded and shaped aprons and scrolling foliage imbue added luxury to the already impressive form.