A CARVED WOOD ARMCHAIR, AFTER A MODEL BY VASILII PETROVICH SHUTOV, AFTER 1870 |

in chiseled oak, decorated with various trompe l'oeil motifs, the rail carved with the rhyming Russian adage « тише едешь, дальше будешь » ("the more carefully you drive, the faster you'll arrive"), the armrests in the shape of an axe, the seat ornated with a pair of chiseled gloves and engraved with a rosette

Overall in good condition. The photograph in the catalogue is accurate. Several minor chips to the wood, notably to the corners of the feet and on the corners of the seat. Minor scratches, cracks and chips along the surface, consistent with age and handling. Two visible construction cracks to the backrest, by the inscription, visible on the photograph of the catalogue. Horizontal crack from the middle of the backrest. Slight discoloration of the varnish on the seat and armrests. Armrests slightly unstable. Detachable mittens. Chips towards the back of the mittens. Cracks with remnants of the glue between the seat and the base. Back right foot slightly loose and uneven. Structure is firm and sound.
"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."

Vasilii Petrovich Shutov (ca. 1826-1887), an instructor at the Stieglitz Central School of Technical Drawing, had first introduced the design to the Russian public at the 1870 All-Russian Manufacturing Exhibition. In Russia, Shutov's concoction of humble, contemporary objects achieved great popularity among aficionados of the Russian Style, including Emperor Alexander III of Russia. Shutov received a ten-year patent on the design. On Shutov's chairs, see O. Strugova, "Mebel' v 'Russkom stile'," Muzei, pp. 103-104.