Lot 1009
1009
A RARE HUANGHUALI HORSESHOE-BACK ARMCHAIR
A RARE HUANGHUALI HORSESHOE-BACK ARMCHAIR
A RARE HUANGHUALI HORSESHOE-BACK ARMCHAIR
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A RARE HUANGHUALI HORSESHOE-BACK ARMCHAIR
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Prospective purchasers are advised that several co… Read more PROPERTY FROM A NEW ENGLAND COLLECTION
A RARE HUANGHUALI HORSESHOE-BACK ARMCHAIR

17TH CENTURY

Details
A RARE HUANGHUALI HORSESHOE-BACK ARMCHAIR
17TH CENTURY
The sweeping crest rail terminates in out-swept hooks and is supported by the tripartite S-form back splat inset with a finely carved openwork panel above a beautifully-grained plain panel and shaped beaded apron. The mat seat is set within the rectangular frame above cusped, beaded aprons carved in front with confronting chilong and shaped, beaded spandrels. The legs are joined by stepped stretchers and footrest above a shaped apron.
37 1⁄4 in. (94.6 cm.) high, 25 3⁄4 in. (65.4 cm.) wide, 25 3⁄4 in. (65.4 cm.) deep
Provenance
Grace Wu Bruce, Hong Kong, 22 September 1988.
Special notice
Prospective purchasers are advised that several countries prohibit the importation of property containing materials from endangered species, including but not limited to coral, ivory and tortoiseshell. Accordingly, prospective purchasers should familiarize themselves with relevant customs regulations prior to bidding if they intend to import this lot into another country.

Brought to you by

Rufus Chen (陳嘉安)
Rufus Chen (陳嘉安) Head of Sale, AVP, Specialist
+1 212 636 2180

Lot Essay


The horseshoe-back armchair is one of four types of Chinese chairs, and is distinguished by its rounded crestrail and out-swept hooks. The form is commonly found; however, the present chair has the added details of the elongated spandrels running the length of the vertical posts above the seat. This small detail subtly emphasizes the refined curve of the crestrail and arms. The design of the chair is further elevated by the tripartite backsplat showcasing richly textured huanghuali in contrast with the delicate lines of the openwork ruyi-head panel. A pair of huanghuali horseshoe-back armchairs with plain splats, fitted with elongated shaped spandrels, is illustrated by G. Wu Bruce, Ming Furniture Through My Eyes, The Forbidden City Publishing House, Beijing, 2015, p. 101.

For a discussion of this chair shape, see R.H. Ellsworth, Chinese Furniture: Hardwood Examples of the Ming and Early Ch'ing Dynasty, New York, 1971, pp. 86-87, and Wang Shixiang, Connoisseurship of Chinese Furniture: Ming and Early Qing Dynasties, Hong Kong, 1990, pp. 43-45.

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