Superb rare pair of 18thc Chinese Chippendale mahogany open armchairs

A superb rare pair of mid 18th century (circa 1760) Chinese Chippendale mahogany open armchairs of fine patina.

LVS1522

£7850.00 GBP

This design of chair was highly fashionable in the 18th century, designed by Thomas Chippendale and illustrated in ‘The Gentleman & Cabinet-Maker’s Directory’ as well as by various other designers of the time such as Robert Manwaring, Ince & Mayhew and William Halfpenny.

Chippendale’s designs included straight lines and geometric forms, fretwork and latticework with straight legs and stretchers, often with brackets joining the seats to the front legs.

This pair of chairs each consist of a serpentine shape top rail with carved ears to the corners, the highly sophisticated backs having a combination of mitres and mortice and tenons to create a geometric fretwork panel, this design known as ‘Chinese Chippendale’.

The chairs each having shaped arms with fretwork panels with a solid mahogany seat leading down to a blind fret front seat rail.

The chairs are supported by square recessed front legs with blind fret decoration with geometric Chinese design corner brackets to the top of the front legs.

The legs joined with an H stretcher with outswept legs to the back, one stretcher replaced at some time.

This pair of armchairs are in very good condition for age with evidence of old repairs commensurate with age, are of stable construction and can go straight into a home.

References: There are various books with illustrations of chairs of a similar design to this pair:

‘The Gentleman & Cabinet-Maker’s Directory' by Thomas Chippendale - Pages dependant on edition

‘Chippendale’ by Nathaniel Harris – Pages 46-47

‘Thomas Chippendale 1718-1779 A Celebration of British Craftsmanship & Design’ – Pages 58-59

‘English Furniture Designs of the Eighteenth Century’ (V&A) – Plates 159,160,161

‘Pictorial Dictionary of British 18th Century Furniture Design’ Compiled by Elizabeth White – Page 64

‘The Life & Works of Thomas Chippendale’ by Christopher Gilbert – Page 82

Size:

Height: 39.5’’ / 100.25cm

Width: 24.5’’ / 62.25cm

Depth: 20’’ / 50.75

Seat height: 18.25’' / 46.25cm