Ornate Georgian Furniture and Large Meissen Porcelain Dinner Service Set Highlight Ann & Gordon Getty Collection Sale

The furniture developed under George II was marked by the predominance of mahogany wood in place of the previously-used walnut. Heftier proportions, architectural cornices, and richly carved cabriole legs characterized the bold designs. A pair of George II mahogany and parcel-gilt armchairs is a key highlight of the upcoming sale of the Ann and Gordon Getty Collection at Christie’s. Attributed to Paul Saunders, the ornately-decorated chairs feature cartouche backs with C-scrolls and foliage. They consist of arms with foliate terminals and elongated cartouches. The scrolling foliage on cartouche-carved legs ending in ball-and-claw feet is typical of the Georgian style. Another striking George II lot is a pair of giltwood pier mirrors. Attributed to Matthias Lock, the mirrors feature cartouche form frames with flower basket crests flanked by ho-ho birds. The sides are adorned with trailing floral garlands, ram masks, and fruit motifs. The influence of French Rococo aesthetics is particularly noteworthy.  

A large Meissen porcelain dinner service set designed with the ‘Gelber Löwe’ pattern also leads the collection. Each piece is painted in the Kakiemon style with a prowling tiger figure. The border is decorated with varied basket-weave patterns and painted with floral sprays and insects. To view the complete catalog and register to bid online, visit Christie’s.