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Antique Gilt-Carved Red and Black Lacquer Javanese Ceremonial Circumcision Chair

About the Item

Antique Gilt-Carved Red and Black Lacquer Javanese Ceremonial Circumcision Chair. A low teak chair carved having cabriole legs, claw feet, skirt detail in a tendril floral relief, solid seat, back uprights with recessed leaf carving and lotus finials. The back panel with central vase and large flowers flanked by two horses standing on the hind legs surrounded by a curling beaded edge, the back of the chair remains plain. The finish is of varnished wood, red and black pigments with gilt highlights. An added contemporary custom cushion for the seat. Condition: Refurbished condition with small repairs, one chipped finial leaf on the backside remains and one horizontal separation to the back panel, otherwise fine condition. Dimensions: 33.5 inches high x 26.875 inches wide x 22.375 inches deep. (75 x 68.2 x 56.8cm). Seat height: 12.5 inches (31.8cm). Weight: 29.5 lbs. (13380 grams). Age: Circa 1900. Provenance: New England Auctions, Branford, CT. March 5, 2024, The Marc J. Matz Collection: Early Colonial India and China Trade, lot 364. Note: In the Islamic Malay and Indonesian setting, the low throne is the seat of honor for the boy after his initiation rite. A newly circumcised boy would sit on this chair to be presented as a young man, an eligible groom. Prescribed by Islamic law but embellished with local customs, male circumcision is seen as an important rite of passage across Muslim communities in island Southeast Asia. A wide range of elaborate rituals and ceremonies exist but a common thread is the parade or presentation of newly circumcised boys to society. In Java, circumcision rituals often resemble traditional wedding ceremonies. For other circumcision chairs see: Asian Civilisations Museum, Singapore, Accession No.2018-01190 Brinkgreve & Stuart-Fox, Living with Indonesian Art - The Frits Liefers Collection, Rijksmuseum Volkenkunde, 2015, ops. 160-161, no. 172.
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 33.5 in (85.09 cm)Width: 26.875 in (68.27 cm)Depth: 22.375 in (56.84 cm)Seat Height: 12.5 in (31.75 cm)
  • Style:
    Islamic (Of the Period)
  • Materials and Techniques:
    Teak,Carved,Woodwork
  • Place of Origin:
  • Period:
    1900-1909
  • Date of Manufacture:
    Circa 1900
  • Condition:
    Repaired: Refurbished condition with small repairs, one chipped finial leaf on the backside remains and one horizontal separation to the back panel, otherwise fine condition. Wear consistent with age and use.
  • Seller Location:
    Point Richmond, CA
  • Reference Number:
    Seller: TM-UH901331stDibs: LU1778244476992

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