A set of ten Italian chinoiserie red lacquered and parcel-gilt chairs, Venetian, second quarter 18th century

each with an arched rectangular pierced back with stylised shell motif above a baluster splat decorated with a chinoiserie figure with a parasol above chrysanthemums and swans, drop-in later leather upholstered seat on cabriole legs with a stylised scallopshell on the knees joined by a H-form turned and block stretcher with a rear stretcher on pad front feet; some minor losses to lacquer decoration; all with the ink inscribed label 'Salone Verde/5 Principessa' one with the printed paper label 'Principe di Piombino'

Principe and Principessa di Piombino, Salone Verde.

The principality of Piombino was a small state on the Italian Peninsula centred on the city of Piombino including part of the island of Elba. Napoleon’s sister Elisa Bonaparte was a Princess of Lucca and Piombino. Due to the above, a Provenance from Lucca should not be discounted.

 

In overall good conserved condition. Joints sound and sturdy. There are some minor losses to the decoration and some retouching to the lacquer. There are hairline construction cracks at the joints which can easily be filled or left and are commensurate with age and normal usage. The splat of one chair has been restored where it meets the top-rail and on the same chair there are losses to the decoration on the front left leg which can be touched up. Evidence of old worm which appears to be no longer active. The foot of one has been restored and the rear left foot and front left foot of another chair has suffered worm damage and where the top-rail joins the splat on the same chair has been restored.
"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."

Comparative Literature:
Elisabetta Barbolini Ferrari, Mobili Dipinti, Tempera, Lacca ed Arte Povera nelle botteghe italiane dal XVII al XVIII secolo, Modena, 2004, p. 146, for a pair of Venetian armchairs of similar form with chinoiserie decoration. 
William M. Odom, A History of Italian Furniture, Vol. II, New York, 1966, p. 207, for a related painted Venetian chair decorated with chinoiseries.