A PAIR OF HUANGHUALI HORSESHOE-BACK ARMCHAIRS (QUANYI) QING DYNASTY, 18TH CENTURY

each with curving three-segment toprail sloping down to the arms supported on bowed side posts and terminating in outscrolled handgrips beyond the straight front posts set with shaped spandrels, the wide splat gently bowed, flanked by bracketed back corner posts continuing through the rectangular molded-edge frame, to form the back legs, the hard mat set above plain beaded spandreled aprons, the cylindrical legs joined by a front rail and square section stretchers of ascending height (2)

One armchair with rectangular patch repairs to the scarf joints on the crestrail just above the back posts flanked by brackets which may be later replacements. The back stretcher broken and with a patch repair. The other armchair with a dislodged splat and a long patch repair at the base of the splat. The front spandreled aprons has a patch repair at the base. There has been general consolidation of the joinery and some of the stretcher aprons may be replaced.
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.

The present pair of chairs is notable for the lack of carved decoration on the splat, with most examples carved with a stylized cloud-form medallion, and the equally austere treatment of the apron and long flange brackets. Additionally the flange brackets to either side of the back posts are an unusual feature and one that would have been an effective means to reinforce the vulnerable scarf joint of the wide bending toprail. For a discussion on this design, see Robert Ellsworth, Chinese Furniture, New York, 1970, pp. 86-87, and Wang Shixiang, Connoisseurship of Chinese Furniture, vol. 1, Hong Kong, 1990, pp. 43-45.