Page 106 - Chiense works of art sothebys march 14 2017 nyc

582

PROPERTY FROM A MIDWESTERN PRIVATE
COLLECTION

A PAIR OF ‘HUANGHUALI’
ARMCHAIRS
QING DYNASTY, 18TH CENTURY

each composed of slender cylindrical members,
with a straight extending crestrail with truncated
ends, above a rectangular splat carved with a
central ruyi medallion, the side posts, reinforced
with strap metal mounts, continuing through the
seat frame forming the rear legs, the straight
arms extending beyond the front posts, further
secured with strap metal mounts and a central
strut, the soft-mat seat set within a molded-edge
frame, the legs joined by aprons comprised of
humpback stretchers to the front and sides with
vertical struts and a plain spandreled apron to the
rear, the side stretchers and footrest all above
shaped aprons (2)
Height 36 in., 91.4 cm; Width 22⅜ in., 56.8 cm;
Depth 18 in., 45.7cm

PROVENANCE
Charlotte Horstmann and Gerald Godfrey Ltd.,
Hong Kong, 2002.
The pair of armchairs, with its clean, restrained
lines represents a subtle shift in taste seen at
the beginning of the 18th century. In addition to
continued admiration for classic Ming dynasty
forms, the literati of the Kangxi period also
cultivated an aesthetic that was more spare in
design. The slim posts and rail create a simple
outline that belies the strength of the ne grained
wood and the skill of the joiner.
A related armchair but with an arched crestrail,
from the Collection of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Piccus,
was sold at Christie’s New York, 18th September
1997, lot 77. Compare also an example with
straight toprail from the Shanghai Museum
illustrated in Wang Shixiang, Connoisseurship of
Chinese Furniture, vol. II, Hong Kong, 1990, pl.
A69.

Ⴚ$ 50,000-70,000

Charlotte Horstmann and Gerald Godfrey Ltd
2002

104 SOTHEBY’S