清十八世紀 紫檀鑲大理石南官帽椅一對

each with round yokeback toprail supported on slender round stiles extending to the back legs, the bulging armrests supported on serpentine side posts and 'gooseneck' front posts, the S-curved backsplat inset with two rectangular black and white marble panels, suggesting clouds or a mountainous landscape, the legs joined by double stretchers set with straight struts below the rectangular frame, with mat seat, the feet joined by stepped stretchers with protruding tenons and a footrest above humpback aprons, the front legs with a humpback apron repeated at the sides

1980年代末/1990年代初購自黑洪祿，香港

The chairs are in good condition with the exception of small areas of age cracks and filling to the back splats, hairline cracks to two of the marble panels on one chair (left chair as illustrated), possible replacement to some of the inner corner aprons, replaced hard matt seats, possibly replaced trimming strips, a short split to the top rear section of one top rail (left chair as illustrated) and minor surface scratches and wear commensurate with age.
"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."

本品比例均稱，搭腦一木連作，線條起伏，呼應模仿竹枝的扶手及牙條，大理石嵌板對比紫檀綿密紋理，相得益彰，更顯雍雅。本對椅托泥兩端出頭，罕見於同期作例。現時並無近例記載，唯可參考一紫檀官帽椅例，透雕牙條，托泥模仿竹枝，圖見Sarah Handler，《Ming Furniture in the Light of Chinese Architecture》，柏克萊，2005年，頁 119，同錄一例，靠背板嵌大理石版，見頁121；另比一對紅木椅，靠背鑲樺木，近椅足托泥與本品相近，售於紐約蘇富比1986年4月10/11日，編號461。

此類椅屬南官帽椅，乃出自明朝之經典，現存並無帶年款作例，唯上海盧灣潘允征墓曾出土小椅數具，可供參考。