The 2014 Terrence Higgins Trust Auction catalogue

RICHARD O’BRIEN
A SET OF FOUR NORTH ITALIAN EBONY AND IVORY
INLAID DINING CHAIRS
MILAN, CIRCA 1860
Two pairs of nearly identical chairs
Dating from around 1860, black, ebonised, Milanese with bone/ivory inlays
Chairs: approximately 45 inches x 18 inches x 18 inches
Accompanying table: approximately 19 inches x 15 inches x 15 inches
Together with a small occasional table, the chairs are decorated throughout with geometrical
inlay and scrolling foliage. The backs are each centred by a clothed figure flanked by baluster
turned stiles, a solid seat and an H-stretcher.
Donated by the wonderful Richard O’Brien who tells us:
‘These four Milanese chairs were bought by me in 1998 while I was out looking for Christmas
gifts for others. Didn’t I get lucky
‘The dining room in my new house had wallpaper by Zuber and a green marble dining
table - all of which cried out for something equally exotic and wonderful in the sitting
down department.
‘They date from around 1860 and, although they are two pairs rather than a set of four, they
do fit together rather nicely. It is my fervent wish that whoever buys them will derive as much
pleasure from them as I have over my 16 years of ownership. They are bold, elegant and dare I
say it, rather sexy.
‘My only advice to the buyer is to choose the cushions with equal style and taste.’
Note on ivory inlays: a re-export permit from Animal Health and Veterinary Laboratories Agency (AHVLA),
part of UK CITES Management Authority, will be required should the Buyer decide to move the Lot outside
of the European Union.
£3,000 - £4,000
Donated by: Richard O’Brien
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