LONDON.- Mallett, one of the world’s leading antiques dealers, enjoyed a successful Masterpiece London. Major sales included a rare set of 12 Chinese Huanghuali chairs which had been patiently reunited by a private collector, and one of only two known examples of a Master’s Chair, made for an anti-French society. Both these superb examples of 18th century craftsmanship were sold to private collectors for six figure sums. Mallett also sold sculpture, porcelain and other works of art at the fair. Masterpiece London, a stunning display of art, antiques and design, took place in the South Grounds of the Royal Hospital Chelsea from 27 June to 3 July 2013.
A remarkable story of patience by a private collector lies behind the set of 12 Chinese Huanghuali hardwood chairs sold by Mallett at Masterpiece London. They form part of a larger group of Chinese export furniture which originally consisted of at least 16 single chairs and two armchairs possibly commissioned by Sir Hugh Gough (1708-1774), a prosperous trade merchant, during his excursions to the Orient. The set became completely split up but 12 of the chairs were reunited over a period of 25 years by an international private collector. The exhibition at Masterpiece London was the first time that they had been seen by the public since they were reunited. This rare set of chairs represents Chinese export craftsmanship at its best. They have hooped backs carved with scrolled acanthus leaves and central bellflowers beneath and the cabriole front legs each have a carved lion’s mask on the knees. The asking price was in excess of £500,000.
The fascinating and rare George II Master’s Chair, was made for the Anti-Gallican Society, founded in 1745 when Britain and France were at war. ‘For our Country’, the motto of the Society, is inlaid on the imposing walnut armchair, which is almost six feet high. It would have been made c1750 for use in a dining club of the Anti-Gallican Society, which aimed to deter what it called “the insidious arts of the French nation”. Like many 18th century clubs, its members combined the pursuit of convivial pleasure with promoting a cause – in this case opposing French influence and Anglo-French trade. The chair has broad sloping shoulders ornamented with carved and gilt acanthus and scroll-shaped terminals. The arms end in finely carved lions’ masks. The only other such chair known is in the collection of Temple Newsam, the great country house near Leeds. The asking price was in the region of £125,000.
