Pair of George III Chinese Chippendale Mahogany Armchairs, after a design by Mayhew & Ince.

Circa 1760.

Why we like them

Being one of the best specimens of the Chinoiserie chairs we have ever seen, the form of these chairs is particularly rare and conforms to a design published by William Ince and John Mayhew, the celebrated designers and makers of fine furniture in 18th century London.

History

Conceived in the Chinese manner expounded by William and John Halfpenny in Rural Architecture in the Chinese Taste (1752), and Sir William Chambers in his Designs of Chinese Buildings, Furniture, Dresses, Machines and Utensils (1757), the pattern for this pair of open armchairs follows a design for 'Dressing Chairs' by William Ince and John Mayhew, published in their 'Universal System of Household Furniture', 1762, plate XXXV and Thomas Chippendale's designs for ‘Chinese Chairs’ in the 1st edition of The Gentleman and Cabinet-Makers Director, (1754), plates XXIII - XXV. They are designated as `Designs of Chairs after the Chinese Manner, and are very proper for a Lady's Dressing-Room: especially if it is hung with India Paper. They will Likewise suite Chinese Tempels'.

A related pair of open armchairs in the Chinoiserie taste was sold at Christie's, New York, 10 May 2018, Lot 647 ($193,750).