QING DYNASTY, 18TH CENTURY

Details

A PAIR OF HUANGHUALI LOWBACK ARMCHAIRS, MEIGUIYI
QING DYNASTY, 18TH CENTURY
Each is composed of members fitted together with characteristic pipe joints. The back is formed by an open rectangular back frame, decorated with beaded aprons on the four sides. The back pillars and the arms continue to form the four legs, embraced together along the lower legs by a foot rest, two side stretchers and an ascending back stretcher.
32 5/8 in. (83.3 cm.) high, 22 5/8 in. (57.5 cm.) wide, 17 3/8 in. (45 cm.) deep

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, tortoiseshell and crocodile. 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

Marco Almeida (安偉達) SVP, Senior International Specialist, Head of Department & Head of Private Sales

malmeida@christies.com +852 2978 6735

Lot Essay

Chairs of this type are known as meiguiyi in the north but in the south they are known as wenyi or scholar's chair. The form is characterised by its low regular back and it is thought that when placed in the scholar's studio, it would fit neatly under the window without obstructing the view outside. It is interesting to note that the rectangular back is fitted with four sides of aprons similar to the pair of low-back chairs illustrated in Chinese Furniture, One Hundred Examples from the Mimi and Raymond Hung Collection, New York, 1996, p. 85, no. 22. An almost identical pair previously in the Feng Wen Tang Collection was sold in Christie’s Hong Kong, 3 June 2015, lot 2812 (fig. 1).

This item is made of a type of Dalbergia wood which is subject to CITES export/import restrictions since 2 January 2017. This item can only be shipped to addresses within Hong Kong or collected from our Hong Kong saleroom and office unless a CITES re-export permit is granted. Please contact the department for further information.

More from Important Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art

View All