A SET OF TWELVE GEORGE II RED AND GILT-JAPANNED DINING CHAIRS
In the manner of Giles Grendey, circa 1740
Each decorated with Chinoiserie scenes of figures in a landscape, surrounded by flora and fauna, with caned backs and seats, three stamped HP.
height 43in (109cm); width 19in (48cm); depth 22in (56cm)
Footnotes:
This set of chairs closely relates to 'The Infantado Suite' designed by Giles Grendey in the second quarter of the 18th century. Their rich red color and eastern decoration represent the style and sophistication of Grendey and his workshop.

Giles Grendey (British, 1693-1780) is known to have created a suite of approximately seventy-seven pieces for the Lazcano Castle in Spain during the 18th century, commissioned by the Dukes of Infantado. 'The Infantado Suite' contained chairs, bureaus, mirrors, and daybeds in red lacquer with eastern inspired decoration. It is one of the most celebrated suites of English furniture because it demonstrates the demand for all things of Eastern influence that was popular at that time. The chairs are japan-painted in trompe l'oeil red and gold to resemble the fashionable lacquer imports of the East India trading companies. The suite of Lazcano furniture is represented in major museums, such as the Victoria & Albert Museum, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, Temple Newsam House, Leeds, and the National Gallery of Victoria in Australia.

A very similar chair model to the above set was sold at Christie's, London, 17 November 2016, lot 1 and a set of six chairs from the Estate of Ann and Pete Jackson sold at Bonhams Los Angeles on 12 Nov 2020, lot 203.

With a Guaranty of Authenticity from Antonacci-Efrati, Rome, dated 13 June 1983.

Provenance
Natural Le Coultre, Geneva, 27 June 1983.

The back of each chair has been recently decoratively painted in gold and black. Red paint has been touched up over time, particularly noticeable on the top on the crest rails. Areas of old chips and repairs that have been re-painted. Some of the red paint has covered older decoration. Scattered worm holes. Four seats have a reinforced frame for the canning. Two of the chairs have inserted wood instead of canning. A few chairs with repaired stretchers. Typical light dings, dents, marks, scuffs, and surface scratches consistent with age and use.