19th Century Chinese Emperor Chair

Prior to the 10th century, Chinese society eschewed raised seats in favor of mats. The rising popularity of chairs and other forms of elevated seating led craftsmen to adapt traditional cabinetry and architecture techniques to the human body. In the case of this Yuanyi, or round chair, the flowing crestrail is a direct descendant of the simple armrests that had traditionally supported individuals on mats in their homes. This homage to an ancestral form, combined with traditional mortise-and-tenon joinery techniques, created an elegant, functional chair that has endured for centuries and inspired many contemporary furniture designers...

Prior to the 10th century, Chinese society eschewed raised seats in favor of mats. The rising popularity of chairs and other forms of elevated seating led craftsmen to adapt traditio...

A pair of 19th century Chinese chairs, circa 1825.

A Chinese rosewood chair from the 19th century, with hand carved splat and arms. Born in China during the 19th century, this exquisite rosewood chair grabs our attention with its stunning back, adorned with scrolling patterns and a central splat, accented with low-relief motifs surrounded by pierced foliage. Two open arms, decorated with carved motifs, flank the sides and rest on a rectangular wooden seat. The chair is raised on four straight legs, connected to one another through side stretchers and accented with petite scrolls on the apron, echoing the feet's scrolling extremities. With its lovely patina and exquisite carved décor, this Chinese 19th century rosewood chair...