Lot 835. A rare pair of huanghuali 'official's hat' armchairs, 19th-early 20th century; 44 ½ in. (113 cm.) high, 23 ¾ (60.3 cm.) in. wide, 19 in. (48.3 cm.) deep. Estimate USD 40,000 - USD 60,000. Price realised USD 425,000. © Christie's 2021 

The strongly curved crestrail is supported on curved rear posts and an S-curved back splat, with outward curving arms supported on curved front posts above the mat seat. The whole is raised on round-section legs joined by straight stretchers and a footrest at the front.

Note: The form of the present pair of armchairs is often called 'four corner's-exposed', and is one of the earliest classic forms found in huanghuali furniture design. A number of variations on this type are known, including those with rounded or cut-off squared members such as the present pair, those with plain splats, and those with added decorative carving or embellishment.