十七 / 十八世紀 黃花梨四出頭官帽椅

each with an arched crestrail joined to a wide S-curved rectangular splat, the stiles similarly curved, the elegantly outscrolled arms above a beaded and shaped spandrel, the hard-caned seat within a mitered double-molded frame above a shaped and beaded apron tongue and grooved into the circular section legs and butt joined into the underside of the seatframe, the legs joined by four typically ascending stretchers from front to back rail, the underside with a pair of transverse stretchers (2)

Ming Furniture, Ltd.，紐約

Sarah Handler，《Ming Furniture in the Light of Chinese Architecture》，伯克利，2004年，第一百一十四頁至一百一十五頁

It is likely that the splats and back rails have been slightly reduced in height. The joints have all been consolidated and the foot rest and back aprons have been 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.

High yokeback armchairs are among the most distinguished type of chair among classic Ming furniture. The prominent crest and extending top and arm rails have become synonymous with the flowing yet restrained beauty that defines the spare but opulent aesthetic of the Ming elite. This pair is distinguished by not only its slender lines and graceful proportions but the S-curved splats which are carved from a single piece of wood and reveal a wonderfully attractive matching grain. 

For a general discussion on the basic model and decorative vocabulary of these chairs, see Curtis Evarts, 'From Ornate to Unadorned', Journal of the Chinese Classical Furniture Society, Spring 1993, pp. 24-33.