Pair of George III Chinoiserie Armchairs, to a design by Mayhew & Ince

Object Description

Pair of George III Chinese Chippendale Mahogany Armchairs, after a design by Mayhew & Ince.
Circa 1760.

Each 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 pair of open armchairs 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 Lady’s Dressing-Room: especially if it is hung with India Paper. They will Likewise suite Chinese Tempels’.

A related pair of open armchairs in the Chinoiserie taste was sold at Christie’s, New York, 10 May 2018, Lot 647 ($193,750).

Object Literature

William Ince and John Mayhew, ‘Universal System of Household Furniture’, 1762, plate XXXV;
William and John Halfpenny in Rural Architecture in the Chinese Taste, 1752;
Sir William Chambers in his Designs of Chinese Buildings, Furniture, Dresses, Machines and Utensils, 1757

Object Condition

Restored antique condition

Object Details