十七 / 十八世紀 黃花梨方凳一對

each frame top of standard miter, mortise and tenon construction, with exposed tenons on the short sides of the frame, drilled for soft-seat construction, supported by two curved transverse braces, the molded frame above a recessed waist and a plain straight apron, both the waist and apron made of one piece of wood and mortised and tenoned into and half-lapped onto the square section legs ending in hoof feet, a humpback-shaped stretcher slightly set back and tenoned to the legs below the apron (2)

Nicholas Grindley，倫敦，1997年3月

The stools are in overall good condition. There is a filled and pegged repair to a break in one leg. One of the seat frames has three small wood patches to loss from either a knot or close to the trimming strip. There has been general appropriate consolidation to the joinery. There is expected wear, particularly to the feet which has some filled repairs to splits.
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.

This classic, well-proportioned and highly functional form is typical of late Ming and early Qing dynasty design. Stools were made in sets and pairs and would have been placed against the wall of a room until needed. The relatively small compact form was easily moved and allowed for flexible seating arrangements depending on the type of gathering.  The ranking of seats was strictly hierarchical with armchairs reserved for the master of the house and senior guests and stools being used by those of lesser rank. However, stools were often the preferred type of seating in less formal gatherings, when protocol was more relaxed.