A rare Nasrid or post-Nasrid chair, Andalusia, late 15th/16th century

of curving x-frame, set with ivory and bone, silver and hardwoods of varying colours inlaid in a micromosaic geometric stellar design along the wood frames, with a leather seat and back-rest set with metal pins

In generally good condition, the design strong, with some minor old wood worm damage (as noticed on the legs and reverse), some damage to tesserae, resulting in some losses, notably to arms, some nicks, particularly at joints, the leather seat and backrest later replacements, as viewed.
"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 Nasrid Dynasty, which was founded by Muhammad I al-Ghalib of Arjona (r.1232-73), ruled Granada and the territory of al-Andalus for over two hundred years and oversaw a splendid artistic patronage that is still hugely admired today. Expanding on a tradition inherited from the Almohad dynasty of North Africa, the Nasrids developed a sophisticated visual language based on complex geometric designs, and are particularly known for their architectural achievements as well as their craftsmanship, in ceramics and furniture, which was exported from Spain throughout Europe.

Designed with curving legs and armrests, this imposing chair derives its shape from ancient Roman 'Sella Curulis', throne-like seats reserved for government dignitaries, which spread to the Near and Middle East. Fashionable in Europe during the Renaissance, these types of chairs were believed to originate in Northern Italy, and variations of this form came to be known as the 'Sedia Dantesca' or the 'Sedia Savonarola' (after the firebrand Dominican friar, Girolamo Savonarola), and even 'Dagobert’s chair' (after the throne of Dagobert I, the seventh-century king of Austrasia and of all the Franks). These titles speak to the ancient royal history of the form as well as the cultural synthesis which existed in Europe, including, in the case of the Iberian peninsula, the integration of Islamic decorative elements. Indeed, the intarsia technique used to decorate these chairs, including the present example, is typically Nasrid, and is exemplary of the luxurious micromosaic furniture that flourished in Granada at the time. The technique, which has its origins in the Caliphal period and is recorded in both Spain and North Africa, was developed under the Nasrids who combined polygonal tesserae of wood, ivory, and bone of contrasting colours arranged in geometrical patterns of great intricacy.

Chairs from the Nasrid period are extremely rare, particularly as their popularity meant that they continued to be copied into the nineteenth century. The Metropolitan Museum of Art holds six examples in its collection, all attributed to circa 1500, and each with a repeat ivory-inset design of geometric stellar compositions (inv. nos. 195.1.1978; 1975.1.1979ab; 45.60.41a,b; 45.60.40a; 27.225.1). Some of these examples feature seats and back rests in leather or textile. A further example is in the Alhambra Museum, Granada, inv. no. 3315.

This lot is accompanied by a carbon-dating report by RCD RadioCarbon dating, reference RCD-7382, on 3 August 2010, with a 68% probability of the date between 1510-1600 plus 1610-1650, and a 95% probability of a date between 1470-1670.