A rare and exquisitely carved pair of early George III period mahogany side chairs in the Chinese Chippendale manner
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A rare and exquisitely carved pair of early George III period mahogany side chairs in the Chinese Chippendale manner (c. 1765 England)

An exceptional pair of rare George III period mahogany side chairs, with a Chinese lattice back splat, after the designs of Robert Mainwaring. The carving is well drawn and finely executed, with the back view of the back-splat every bit as captivating as the front. The finely moulded upright sections are equally divine, and that restrained and elegant profile is pure 18th century minimalism! Robert Manwaring was an English 18th century furniture designer and cabinet maker. A contemporary of Thomas Chippendale, and a considerable rival. Indeed, some of his chair backs are so nearly identical to Chippendale's that one feels sure that one copied from the other. Manwaring was a devotee of the Chinese taste, as seen in these chairs. He humbly described his own work as "elegant and superb" and as possessing "grandeur and magnificence" I think he might be right!

Condition In super condition, retaining an 'untouched' rich colour and patina.
The drop in seats have been reupholstered in the traditional manner and covered in a fine horsehair fabric.
Literature Reference: The Cabinet and Chair Makers' Real Friend and Companion, or the Whole System of Chair making Made Plain and Easy (1765).