A PAIR OF HUANGHUALI YOKE-BACK ARMCHAIRS, GUANMAOYI

16TH CENTURY

Details

A PAIR OF HUANGHUALI YOKE-BACK ARMCHAIRS, GUANMAOYI
16th century
Of unusually generous proportions, the vigorously shaped toprail with everted ends supported on cornerposts which continue through to the back legs, the S-shaped rectangular back splat divided into four sections, the uppermost with an openwork panel of a ruyi-shaped medallion containing a hornless dragon, centered by a panel carved in low-relief with blossoming prunus and rockwork, above a narrow inset beaded openwork panel and a beaded shaped apron, the elongated S-shaped arms supported by curved stiles and the front posts, which continue through the hard mat seat to form the front legs, joined by beaded aprons carved with entwining leafy tendrils, and a shaped footrest with a plain apron
46 1/8in. (117.1cm.) high, 26in. (65.5cm.) wide, 23 1/8in. (58.6cm.) deep (2)

Literature

The Chinese Collections, Asian Civilisations Museum, National Heritage Board, Singapore, 1997, no. 125 (one shown).
Zhongguo wenwu jiaozang, Yazhou wenming bowuguan, Singapore, 1997.
Grace Bruce Wu, Dreams of Chu Tan Chamber and Romance with Huanghuali Wood: The Dr. S.Y. Yip Collection of Classic Chinese Furniture, Hong Kong, 1991, p. 22-23, no. 1.

Exhibited

Art Gallery, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, 20 September-24 November, 1991.
Institute of Contemporary Arts, London, 18-26 November, 1999.
National Heritage Board, Asian Civilisations Museum, Singapore, 1996- 1999.

Lot Essay

There are two major types of yoke-back chair, those having the front legs and posts carved from a single piece of wood, and those with recessed front posts. The present lot is an example of the former, a stronger and more difficult type to construct.

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