A PAIR OF HUANGHUALI ARMCHAIRS, MEIGUIYI LATE MING - EARLY QING DYNASTY

each with a rectangular top rail mortised and tennoned to the stiles, set with a beaded-edge apron shaped with angular scrolls and tongue-and-grooved into the top rail, the stiles continuing through the seat frame and extending as the back legs, the arms mortise and tenon to the stiles and posts, continuing through the seat and extending as the front legs, the hard cane seat bordered by a horizontal stretcher set with vertical pillar-shaped struts below, the front beaded-edged apron carved in low relief with meandering tendrils, the side aprons and the back apron left plain, the front legs joined by a shaped footrest atop a plain shaped apron on the front and aprons on the sides, the legs joined by rounded square stretchers

As it often happen with furniture, especially the area exposed to the floot (the feet) and to the walls (the backs) these two chairs have had repairs and some alteration over the course of their lifetime. The main frame of the two chairs is fairly intact and in good condition. There are old repairs to the bottom end ‎of the four feet on both chairs as can be expected and visible on the catalogue photo. The carved apron tongue-and-grooved inside the backrest as well as between the front legs are likely to be later huanghuali replacements, as well as the side and back apron beneath the seat frame, the caned sitting section and possibly the front section of the armrests.‎ However the overall presentation of the two chairs remains excellent and their design is very subdued and elegant. Please note that there is a provenance label 'Plum Blossom International Ltd' ‎beneath the two chairs stuck to the inside of the back apron.
"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."