A matched pair of Dutch Colonial carved teakwood 'burgomaster' chairs, Sri Lanka, second half 18th century

the rounded toprail above a pierced back with three carved roundels, the circular caned swivel seats on six cabriole legs joined by baluster stretchers and carved splats, on claw feet; together with two shaped swab cushions, one 18th century geometric floral needlework, probably European with Oriental influences, edged with velvet  and needlework trim, with later green backing, the other modern claret coloured velvet,

Acquired in 1948-50

Overall in reasonable restored condition and with minor differences to carving. Chair one (not headed by figure finials): Generally in good restored condition. With a patch repair to the left side of the top rail and signs of movement along the joints of construction with some conforming repairs. The seats have been re-caned. One frieze stretcher has been repaired having formerly been broken off. The feet with typical chips and losses and with a spliced repair to one foot. With minor old marks and scratches throughout commensurate with age and use. Chair Two: With a repair to the reverse of the back above a pierced splat. The swivel action is smooth and the chair has been re-caned. There is a metal bracket to the underside of the seat rail which supports legs. Some of the frieze stretchers apparently with repairs and re-attached. With minor old marks and scratches throughout commensurate with age and use. Together with two shaped swab cushions, one contemporary 18th century geometric floral needlework, (with some discolouration, fading and small holes in places, and some repairs, edged with velvet and needlework trim, with later green backing, the other modern claret coloured velvet.
"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."

Related literature:

J. Veenendaal, Furniture from Indonesia, Sri Lanka and India during the Dutch Period, Delft, 1985, p. 73, ill. 69

The 'Burgomaster' chair is distinguished by its six legs and rounded back. Showing an obvious Indian influence in their design, the oldest have straight turned legs joined to each other by circular stretchers. The rounded back was achieved by sawing the wood into this shape, with no steam used. The medallions in the backs are one of the foremost characteristics, and were either inset with carved floral panels or woven with rattan. 

An example of nearly identical 'Burgomaster' chair was sold Christie's Amsterdam, 21 June 2011, lot 116.