Object Description
A generously proportioned George III period Chinese Chippendale mahogany armchair, after a design by Mayhew & Ince,
circa 1760.
Four armchairs available.
With a pierced geometric back between conforming lattice armrests, above drop-in seats, recently covered in yellow silk damask, pierced fretwork legs, and conforming stretchers.
Conceived in the Chinese manner expounded by William and John Halfpenny in rural architecture in the Chinese taste (1752), and Sir William chambers in his designs of Chinese buildings, furniture, dresses, machines and utensils (1757), the pattern for this chair follows a design for ‘Dressing chairs’ by William Ince and John Mayhew, published in their ‘Universal system of household furniture’, 1762, plate XXXV and Thomas Chippendale’s designs for ‘Chinese chairs’ in the 1st edition of The Gentleman and Cabinet-Makers Director, (1754), plates XXIII-XXV. They are designated as ‘Designs of chairs after the Chinese manner, and are very proper for a ladies dressing-room: especially if it is hung with India paper. They will likewise suite Chinese temples’.
A related pair of open armchairs in the chinoiserie taste was sold at Christie’s, New York, 10 May 2018, Lot 647 ($193,750).