A RARE SET OF TWO ZITAN ARMCHAIRS AND A CORNER-LEG TABLE

THE PROPERTY OF A LADY

Details

A RARE SET OF TWO ZITAN ARMCHAIRS AND A CORNER-LEG TABLE
QING DYNASTY, LATE 18TH/19TH CENTURY

Each chair solidly constructed with elaborately carved back panels in the form of elongated, formalized and archaistic kui dragons, the design repeated on each side below the arm rest, the carved aprons connected to beaded square section legs joined by humpback stretchers above the feet, the accompanying corner-leg low table with an intricately carved apron and spandrels, inset into the top frame and beaded square legs with humpback floor stretchers near the feet

The chairs: 37.5 in. (95 cm) high, 25.5 in. (65 cm) wide
The table: 22 7/8 in. (56 cm) high, 17 3/4 in (45 cm) wide
(3)

Lot Essay

Furniture made of zitan wood was highly appreciated in the Qing dynasty and it reflects the aesthetics value and life style preference of the period. Zitan furniture of the Qing dynasty is more decorative and elaborate than the Ming style of 17th century. The wood is dense and dark in colour, these characteristics provide the perfect material to display the elaborate carving.

Compare to two very similar sets of zitan armchairs and a corner-leg table, previously sold at Christie's New York, 19 September 2007, lots 142 and 143 which may originally have come from the same set.

More from Dowager Empress Cixi: Elegance of the Late Qing

View All