Bidspirit auction | Pair of ”bonnet de lettré”

Pair of ”bonnet de lettré” backrest armchairs, Qing Dynasty, 18th-19th century - Carved and assembled wood. Dimensions: 107 x 80 x 80 cm. Pair of Chinese armchairs with a curved backrest in the shape of a ”lettre bonnet,” characteristic of scholarly furniture. The enveloping line describes a continuous arc that embraces the seat with elegant structural lightness. The upper crest and back panel feature fine openwork carving with vegetal scroll motifs, executed with a fluid rhythm and balanced ornamental sense. The gently arched armrests descend in harmonious curves to integrate into the rectangular seat, supported by robust legs joined by perimeter crossbars that reinforce the overall stability. The structure demonstrates precise woodworking with traditional joinery and no visible metal elements, reflecting the high level of technical skill achieved by the workshops of the Qing Dynasty. The surface, with its warm tone and visible grain, has a homogeneous patina that enhances the nobility of the material and underscores the sober and refined character typical of scholarly furniture. These pieces are part of the tradition of Chinese furniture from the 18th and 19th centuries, where the harmony of proportions, the purity of lines and the discreet decorative richness respond to an aesthetic based on balance, erudition and restrained elegance.