BADA Week: Exceptional Chinese Export Chairs sold to Art Institute of Chicago
To celebrate BADA Week (13th – 17th November), Thomas Coulborn and Sons is delighted to announce the sale of an exceptional pair of 18th century Chinese Export Carved Padouk Side Chairs to The Art Institute of Chicago.
Made circa 1730 in padouk carved in low relief imitating English gesso work, they feature carved shell and foliate decoration and distinctive grotesque masks to the pad feet.
Speaking about the sale, Jonathan Coulborn said: “The sale of this striking pair of chairs is a particularly apt event to celebrate the spirit of the British Antique Dealers’ Association during BADA Week. They represent exceptional quality, design influences across cultures and trade going back hundreds of years.
"Chairs of this type were made in the East by Chinese craftsmen working under European supervision either on the mainland or at a trading centre such as Manila or Batavia. The richer and more abundant the decoration, as is the case for these chairs, the more expensive and luxurious they were. These chairs are inspired by a George I design and another example of the same model can be found at Temple Newsam, Yorkshire.”
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