Lot 587
  • 587

A PAIR OF 'ZITAN' YOKEBACK ARMCHAIRS QING DYNASTY, 18TH / 19TH CENTURY

Estimate
60,000 - 80,000 USD
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Description

  • zitan wood
each with a gently curving crestrail slightly flattened and widened towards the center and ending in rounded swept back ends, the bowed rear posts tenoned to the underside of the 'yoke', extending through the seat rail forming the back legs, the serpentine-form splat with a beaded circular medallion enclosing a lush peony bloom borne on a leafing branch, the sinuous arms supported on recessed shaped braces and tapering S-form center stiles, the molded rectangular seat frame of standard miter, mortise and tenon construction ending in a molded, inward tapering beaded edge, enclosing a hardwood seat, the front apron cusped and barbed with beaded edge extending to long flange brackets, the sides with beaded crescent-form aprons,  the slightly splayed legs joined by four stretchers of ascending height, the foot rest with shaped apron (2)

Provenance

Acquired in the 1960s-80s, and thence by descent. 

Condition

Both armchairs have some loose joinery; one with a patch repair to the inside of one front leg and two to the inside of the foot rail, the other with repaired breaks to the, tip of the crest rail, the front posts (one small patch, the other a diagonal filled break) as well as a repaired break at the top of one arm stile. The stretcher aprons and back rails are likely replaced. There is general and appropriate wear.
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.

Catalogue Note

Ming-style zitan armchairs are rare. The dense, fine grain of the wood allows the carver to create very spare lines and crisp details. The resinous quality of the wood creates a mellow luster which subtly highlights the elegant movement of the chairs' sinuous lines.  A similar zitan armchair, attributed to the Ming dynasty, with the same carved center medallion but with continuous arms is illustrated along with a detail of the peony medallion in Wang Shixiang, Classic Chinese Furniture Ming and Early Qing Dynasties, Hong Kong, 1991, pl. 50. A pair of plain yokeback armchairs, also attributed to the Ming dynasty, is illustrated in Zitan The Most Noble Hardwood, Hong Kong, 1996, pp 34-35.