Pair of Huanghuali‘Official's Hat’ Armchairs, China (South), 18th century. Photo AUCTIONATA
Huanghuali. Elegant Nanguanmaoyi, so-called Official’s Hat, shape.Back panel with relief carving. Dimensions: 99 x 58.5 x 47 cm; 98.5 x 59 x 46 cm. Visually good condition. Estimation : 14 400 € / 18 000 €
Provenance: Private collection, Germany
Very rare pair of large Nanguanmaoyi armchairs, carved from one of the most expensive woods in the world.
These armchairs date to the 18th century and are carved from huanghuali, one of the most precious woods in the world.
These so-called ‘Official´s Hat‘ chairs, or nanguanmaoyi, display one of the most popular forms of Chinese furniture, which has evolved over centuries.
The first known representation of a nanguanmaoyi chair is a cave painting and was found in Dunhuang in northwestern China.
The rectilinear frames of the present chairs feature an elegant shape.
The slightly curved splats are adorned with finely carved ornaments. Curvate round bars form the armrests.
The square seats with fine meshwork rest upon square legs.
The aprons on the front are adorned with a pierced decorative carving. Subtle features such as this as well as the combination of round and angular elements make these pieces of furniture especially rare and highly coveted amongst collectors of Chinese furniture.
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