Lot 244. A pair of huanghuali yokeback armchairs, guanmaoyi, 17th-18th century. Each 122cm (48in) high x 60.7cm (24in) wide x 51cm (20in) deep. Sold for £ 119,000 (€ 139,173). (Estimate £ 30,000 - £50,000). © Bonhams 2001-2021

Each with a well-carved protruding crestrail supported on a broad S-shaped splat and curved rear posts continuing to form the rear legs of cylindrical section, the curved arms supported on tapering stiles and curved front posts continuing through the seat frames to form the front legs, the seat frames enclosing a soft-mat seat above a shaped apron and spandrels, the legs joined by stepped stretchers on the sides and footrests on the front.

Note: Referring to the winged hat of the formal attire worn by Ming officials, the term guanmaoyi conveyed status and authority associated with the highest-ranking classes in China. Compare with a very similar huanghuali armchair, Ming dynasty, illustrated by Wang Shixiang, Connoisseurship of Chinese Furniture, Hong Kong, 1990, p.43, no.A70. Another similar huanghuali yokeback armchair, late 16th-early 17th century, in the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, is illustrated by N.Berliner, 'When Vernacular Meets Fine: Thoughts on Chinese Furniture Studies', Chinese Furniture: Selected Articles from Orientations 1984-1999, Hong Kong, 1999, pp.215, fig.11.

Compare with a similar huanghuali yokeback armchair, 17th century, which was sold at Bonhams London, 13 May 2021, lot 37.

Bonhams. Fine Chinese Art: Including Imperial and Court Textiles Curated by Linda Wrigglesworth, London, 2 november 2021