Lot 640. A very rare pair of zitan 'official's hat' armchairs, sichutouguanmaoyi, 17th-18th century. Estimate USD 800,000 - USD 1,200,000. © Christie's Images Ltd 2017.

Each has a well-carved, protruding crestrail supported on a broad S-shaped splat and elegantly curved rear stiles which continue to form the rear legs. The curved arms are supported on tapering, curved vertical braces and curved front posts which continue through the seat frame to form the front legs. The molded seat frame encloses a mat seat, above finely beaded, cusped aprons and spandrels. The legs are joined by stepped stretchers at the sides and a foot rest at the front. 45 ¾ in. (116.2 cm.) high, 24 ½ in. (62.2cm.) wide, 21 ½ in. (54.6 cm.) deep

Provenance: Chang Shing Kee, Hong Kong.
My Humble House, Taipei.
Ever Arts Gallery, Hong Kong.
The Marie Theresa L. Virata (1923-2015) Collection.

Literature: Tsai C.Y., Zitan: The Most Noble Hardwood, My Humble House Publications, Taipei, 1996, p. 34.
Chinese Furniture: Selected Articles from Orientations 1984-1999, Magnum (Offset) Printing Co. Ltd, Hong Kong, 1999, back of catalogue advertisement.

Note: In his introduction to Tian Jiaqing’s Destiny with Zitan: Yue Hua Xuan’s Collection of Fine Qing Furniture and Items, Lee Chiu Wah states “zitan is one of the most valuable types of timber in the world. I like zitan, but not only for this reason. Zitan has a slow growth cycle. It takes over 800 years before it can be harvested. It is said that zitan can only survive with the help of heaven and earth. Perhaps because it absorbs so much spiritual essence of heaven and earth, zitan is heavy in specific weight, dark in colour, dense in grain, smooth and subtle as jade, and is elegant and sophisticated.”