The design of these chairs is taken from a group made using imported Chinese lacquer panels in the early years of the 18th Century for those connected with the East India trade. The famous set of eight made for Sir William Heathcote with chinoiserie landscapes as well as coats-of arms in the backs were first sold in these Rooms on 26 May 1938, lot 118. Heathcote was opposed to the monopoly of the East India company in the far east trade. A set of chairs made for a director of the company, Sir Gregory Page, were first sold by Christie's in 1783 and a pair were sold again, in these Rooms, 15 November 1990, lot 69. Another set of chinese export chairs made for Page are now in the Soane Museum.