EIGHT LOUIS XVI STYLE PAINTED WOOD BALLOON BACK CHAISES À LA MONTGOLFIÈRE, POSSIBLY MAISON JANSEN, EARLY 20TH CENTURY, each with a carved molding balloon form back frame enclosing a pierced hot air balloon style splat, with demi petaled flower cap over long recessed panel bands traversed by a slightly arched guilloché en relief, over a roundel centering a cursive "M" within perles trim above the balloon base of a low rectangular basket with incised lines, flanked by stiles terminating on a circular horsehair padded seat and channeled seat rail, partitioned by block florets over ringed capitals and tapering circular fluted legs ending in toupie feet, painted throughout in a pale blue and seats covered in a pale greenish blue rayon sheer within twist striped silk piping, reversing to backside seat rail with two frame tightening steel ball topped screws. Height: 36" Width: 18" Depth: 19" Note: An almost identical chaise à la Montgolfière by the Parisian menuisier Jean-Baptist Demay (1758-1848) maître 1784 and made circa 1785, can be found in the Musée Carnavalet (no. MB93). The two differences are the monogram in the museum's roundel is a capital cursive LD (ours M), and their legs are tapering fluted but end with stop reeded fluting while ours are fluted to the toupie feet. It appears that the Museum's chair has been reduced in height, lacking what was probably the toupie style of feet, while the set being offered here have not been altered. Provenance: Private Collection, Houston, Texas

Painted surfaces have areas of wear, chips, flaking, surface buildup from handling, seat frames have been later tightened with the backs by the use of late 20th century metal L braces, some age shrinkage cracks, and surface build up throughout. The upholstery shows wear, stains, dust buildup. Simpson Galleries strongly encourages in-person inspection of items by the bidder. Statements by Simpson Galleries regarding the condition of objects are for guidance only and should not be relied upon as statements of fact and do not constitute a representation, warranty, or assumption of liability by Simpson Galleries. All lots offered are sold "AS IS.”