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Lot Essay
The delicate continuous line of the ‘southern official’s hat’ armchair has been emboldened by the robust scale of the present pair of chairs resulting in a powerful statement piece. Undoubtedly, the present pair occupied a place of honor and was reserved for the most respected guests.
Thick members and heavy construction distinguish the present pair, highlighting both its form and grandiose use of material. The members are easily twice the size of a standard chair. The pair is a testament to the prowess of the chairmaker, who successfully balances the overall proportions of each chair against the increased scale of the members. Material, both the access to and the inherent beauty of huanghuali, is celebrated in the present pair, especially seen in the attractive figuration on the solid splats. No expense was spared.
A pair of elegant huanghuali ‘southern official’s hat’ armchairs, with cusped aprons and the more commonly seen slimmer members, was sold at Christie’s New York, 13 September 2019, lot 874.
Thick members and heavy construction distinguish the present pair, highlighting both its form and grandiose use of material. The members are easily twice the size of a standard chair. The pair is a testament to the prowess of the chairmaker, who successfully balances the overall proportions of each chair against the increased scale of the members. Material, both the access to and the inherent beauty of huanghuali, is celebrated in the present pair, especially seen in the attractive figuration on the solid splats. No expense was spared.
A pair of elegant huanghuali ‘southern official’s hat’ armchairs, with cusped aprons and the more commonly seen slimmer members, was sold at Christie’s New York, 13 September 2019, lot 874.