Lot 362. A pair of zitan archaistic 'fuqing' armchairs, Qianlong period (1736-1795). Each 59 cm wide x 36 cm deep x 99 cm high. Sold for HK$1,210,500 (Estimate HK$1,000,000 - HK$1,800,000). © Bonhams.
 

Each with a tall splat scrolling at the top and inset with a rectangular panel elaborately carved in relief with a bat suspending a chime and twin-fish above a pair of confronting archaistic dragons, flanked by two back panels featuring further pairs of stylised dragons, the side panels similarly rendered with stylised dragons, the plain seat set within a wide rectangular frame above the stylised ruyi-shaped aprons, all supported on thick, beaded legs of square section jointed by stretchers and terminating in hoof feet.

Provenance: Collection of C. Philip Cardeiro (1930-2014)
Christie's London, 13 May 2014, lot 124

Note: The present pair of zitan armchairs feature the distinctive protruding splat scrolling at the top, which functions as a headrest. See a highly related zitan armchair decorated with the 'fuqing' pattern, Qing dynasty, in the Qing Court collection, illustrated in The Complete Collection of Treasures of the Palace Museum: Furniture of the Ming and Qing Dynasties (II), Hong Kong, 2002, pl. 56. See another related example, Mid Qing dynasty, illustrated in Gugong Bowuyuan Cang Ming Qing Gongting Jiaju Daguan (The Imperial Furnitures in the Ming and Qing Dynasties in the Palace Museum), vol.1, Beijing, 2006, pl. 87.

The combination of bat, chime and fish forms a pun 'fuqing youyu', which can be translated as 'May you have superabundant fortune and happiness'). Such depictions are popular amongst the imperial family. See a few throne and chairs decorated with the related motif in the Qing Court collection, illustrated in The Complete Collection of Treasures of the Palace Museum: Furniture of the Ming and Qing Dynasties (II), Hong Kong, 2002, pls. 25, 35, 37 and 56.

Compare a set of four zitan armchairs in similar form but left plain in design, Qing dynasty, sold at Bonhams London, 16 May 2019, lot 82. Compare also a related pair of zitan armchairs, 18th/19th century, sold at Christie's New York, 15 September 2011, lot 1351.

Lot 363. A zitan archaistic table, tiaozhou, Qianlong period (1736-1795); 159.5 cm long x 55 cm wide x 84.5 cm high. Sold for HK$956,500 (Estimate HK$800,000 - HK$1,200,000). © Bonhams.
 

The three-panel top set into a rectangular frame with neatly shaped edge, above the shaped and thick beaded aprons carved in relief with archaistic scroll, the whole supported on slender legs of square section.
 

Provenance: A Hong Kong private collection, acquired in the 1980s.

Note: Zitan is a type of densely grained and sturdy hardwood, making it well-suited for carving detailed designs. Qing imperial furniture was predominantly constructed from high-grade hardwoods, primarily zitan. However, much of the zitan utilised during the High Qing era was sourced back in the Ming dynasty, resulting in limited available quantities. Due to the slow growth of the wood, it had become exceedingly scarce and highly prized during the Qianlong period.

The archaistic design is frequently seen in Qing-style furniture, especially tables. See two zitan tables decorated with related patterns on the aprons, in the Qing court collection, illustrated in The Complete Collection of Treasures of the Palace Museum: Furniture of the Ming and Qing Dynasties (II), Hong Kong, 2002, pls. 98, 105. Compare another zitan table, Mid Qing dynasty, carved with archaistic cloud pattern, also in Palace Museum, Beijing, accession no. Gu00206182.century, sold at Christie's New York, 15 September 2011, lot 1351.

Bonhams. Fine Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art, Hong Kong, 29 October 2025