Lot 305. An exceptional and rare huanghuali yokeback armchair with 'fu' character and burl splat, Late Ming dynasty, 16th-17th Century; 46 by 25 3/4 by 19 in., 116.8 by 65.4 by 48.2 cm. Estimate 100,000 — 150,000 USD. Lot sold 120,000 USD. Photo: Sotheby's.

constructed of very thick members and of majestic proportions, the generous crestrail with flattened headrest and bulging rounded terminals set on rounded backposts curving sharply back, the wide backsplat in tripartite form flanked by thick barbed, lobed and cusped trimming strips running the entire length of the splat accented with beading and pierced at the top with C-scrolls, the splat itself with an upper squared panel pierced with a stylized fu character in grooved fretwork within a barbed panel, and a central rectangular panel of finely figured nanmu burlwood, above a lobed apron with beading, the armrails terminating in rounded hand-grips set on sharply 'goose-neck' front posts and supporting struts of mock-bamboo lengths issuing from baluster vases, with soft matting seat within a seat frame with ridged edges and rounded outer sides, the legs also accented with squared ridges to the inner edges secured by lobed and cusped aprons with beaded trim rising to a central peak to match the backsplat, with foot stretchers of uneven heights and faceted outer sides supported by lobed aprons on the three main sides, ample traces of original lacquer behind the splat and beneath the seat.