A Chinese lacquered hardwood southern official's hat

A Chinese lacquered hardwood southern official's hat armchair, possibly huanghuali 黑漆南官帽椅 或黄花梨 18th/19th century 十八或十九世纪

The humpback-shaped crestrail is supported on a curved backsplat finely carved and pierced with two ruyi medallions, flanked by a pair of curved stiles. The outcurved arms are supported by tapering stiles and curved front posts. The rectangular caned seat above a simple arched apron. The legs are joined by a box stretcher, with footrest at front. Accompanied by a copy of R. Soame Jenyns and William Watson, "Chinese Art, The Minor Arts", Fribourg, 1963, in which the present chair has been illustrated pp.394-395, no. 184. (2)

(H:43 1/2 in. W:22 1/4in. D: 18 1/2 in.)

Qty: (2)

Property formerly in the collection of Harry J. Haon II (1901-1989), thence by descent

Haon was employed by E.I. du Pont de Nemours & Company, and was promoted in 1954 to the Foreign Relations Department as Manager of the European Office, London, England, until his retirement in 1962. Mr. Haon continued to live part-time in London into the late 1970s. It is believed that many of the Asian arts in his collection were acquired during this time in London.

Footnote:

PUBLISHED: R. Soame Jenyns and William Watson, "Chinese Art, The Minor Arts", Fribourg, 1963, pp.394-395, no. 184 (illustrated)

Condition report:

Darkened old surface, joints reglued, small trangular loss to bottom of splat, later caned seat and moding, wear to extremities, scattered minor dings and abrasions, rectangular patches to front and back of feet.