清十七 / 十八世紀 黃花梨南官帽椅一對

each with a straight round toprail rounding to slightly bowed corner posts extending to form the back legs, centered by a wide C-form rectangular splat, straight cylindrical arms, with tapering supports mid-section, continuing through the molded rectangular seat frame enclosing a hard mat seat, to form the front legs, joined by continuous beaded aprons tapering towards the base, joined by side and back stretchers and foot rail all above plain, spandreled aprons (2)

The pair of chairs with some patched and filled, stabilizing repairs to the joints from use and the natural expansion and contraction of the wood. There are possible replacements to some of the aprons (beneath the stretchers) and stretchers.
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.

The spare unbroken line from top and side rails to arms and legs, made possible by the ingenuous 'pipe joint', distinguishes the present pair. Often referred to as continuous yokeback armchairs, the present form has a straight crestrail unimpeded by the central widening and flattening of the 'yoke'. The slender circular section elements and plain tapering aprons convey a delicacy that is firmly counterbalanced by the solid, wide, well-grained splat dominating the center.  

This well-proportioned form, with its relatively low back, is one that would have been designated for more casual use in the family rooms of the home. Similar examples include a pair with taller backs from the Gangolf Geis collection sold at Christie's New York, 12th September 2003, lot 26.  Another identical pair from the collection of Isabel Mayer was sold in these rooms 19th September 2002, lot 210. More recently, a set of four armchairs of similar form and dimension but with a carved medallion on the splat was sold at Christie's New York,  20th-21st March 2014, lot 2292.