Lot 327: A SET OF TWELVE REGENCY BRASS- AND EBONY-INLAID ROSEWOOD DINING-CHAIRS

Circa 1815 Comprising two armchairs and ten side chairs, each with scrolled crestrail inlaid with strapwork and swags above opposing lions flanking an urn, the stiles above a horizontal pierced tablet splat similarly inlaid with opposing ho-ho birds flanking an urn, the scrolled arms and saber legs with brass-stringing, the trapezoidal drop-in seats upholstered in stripped yellow silk, the front seatrail also inlaid with ho-ho birds and dancing figures (12) NOTES The stylistic use of brass inlay in on these chairs with its scrolling foliage creating borders interspersed by grotesques and chinoiserie figures is typical of the transition between two main categories of 'Buhl' production appearing in the first half of 19th century England. The first stage appears at the beginning of the century, and is generally composed of relatively few patterns of small foliate and floral forms, which usually occur in a chain or in large open groupings. The latter stage appears as a result of the revival of Louis XIV fashions in the 1820's, and employs more complex patterns of arabesques and chinoiseries influenced by designs of the 'ancien regime', in particular late seventeenth and early eighteenth-century prototypes by the royal ‚bniste Andr‚-Charles Boulle (1642-1732) and the designs of Jean Berain. While Boulle furniture remained fashionable in France throughout the eighteenth century, purchases by the Prince Regent for Carlton House helped to promote the style in England. Although the maker of these chairs has not been identified, the detailed craftsmanship could be one of any number of cabinet-makers such as Louis Le Gaigneur, Thomas Parker and Town and Emanuel, all of whom labelled themselves 'Buhl' manufacturers in the first half of 19th century London. For further information, see E. Joy, English Furniture 1800-1851, London, 1977, p. 171-174.