A RARE SET OF FOUR MATTED LOW-BACK ARMCHAIRS 'MEIGUIYI'

Description:

China, early to mid Qing dynasty
H. 86 cm
The backrest formed by an open rectangular frame, decorated with beaded aprons carved with keyfret scrolls and a gallery rail with narrow struts running around the enclosed rectangular soft mat on three sides. The back pillars and the arms continue to form the four legs, embraced by plain aprons below the seat and along the lower legs by a foot rest, two side stretchers and an ascending back stretcher.
From an old European private collection, acquired in the 1960s or 70s
A similar pair of huanghuali rose armchairs, dated Ming dynasty, are published: Selected Chinese Classic Furniture at the Prince Gong's Palace', Wenwu Press, September 2007, no. 36. See also a similar pair of chairs sold at Sotheby's New York, 9.10.1987, lot 406
Minor traces of age, minor old repairs