A CONTINENTAL BLACK AND GILT-JAPANNED SOFA

PROBABLY GERMAN, CIRCA 1830

Details

A CONTINENTAL BLACK AND GILT-JAPANNED SOFA
Probably German, circa 1830
The rounded rectangular padded back and scrolled sides with serpent-form terminals covered in lilac and green watered silk-patterned wool, on splayed paw legs, decorated overall with chinoiserie scenes, previously with casters
85in. (216cm.) long

Provenance

William Randolph Hearst.

Lot Essay

The overall rounded form of this settee with scrolled armrests and distinct carving of stylized dolphins recalls examples of South-West German origin dating to the late 1820s and early 30s, see G. Himmelheber, Biedermeier Furniture, London, 1974, fig. 56 and 95.