Pair of Lacquered Chinese Throne Chairs

A handsome and rare Georgian-style reading chair, expertly crafted of mahogany. With its high, wide back that slims at the seat, the chair is constructe...

The beautiful design of this pair of French upholstered bergère chairs exemplifies the artistry and elegance of the Empire period. Exhibiting perfect proportions, the chairs are enha...

An outstanding set of Chippendale-style dining chairs, created from designs by Thomas Chippendale, one of history's most celebrated artisans. A testimony to the incredible workmanshi...

The elegant pair of Louis XV-style side chairs exhibits exceptional artistry. Graceful and feminine lines inform this well-balanced design, from the serpentine backs and seats to the...

This intriguing Chinese zhadou is intricately carved of fine cinnabar lacquer. A work of exceptional artistry, this covered bowl is adorned with an intricately carved floral motif on all surfaces, including the cover and the wide rim. Also known as a cuspidor or spittoon, this rare container would have been used by members of the imperial family and scholar- officials at the court. Carved during the Kangxi period (1662-1722), this charming piece exhibits the high detail and charm associated with items from that period, making it a true treasure, Early 18th century (Kangxi dynasty) Measures: 6 ¼” wide x 3 ¼” high Cinnabar has been revered for its color all over the world. It has been found in the royal burial chambers of the Mayas, in the rituals of India, and in the ruins of ancient Greece and Rome. In China, cinnabar and gold were the two most important elements in alchemy. Mined since the Neolithic Age, cinnabar is the ore of mercury, and as such, it can be incredibly toxic, especially when mining. In fact, during the Roman Empire, miners at Spain’s Almadén mine in Spain were frequently exposed to mercury fumes, and the subsequent, often fatal, sickness was considered an occupational hazard. The most popular known use of cinnabar is in Chinese carved lacquer-ware, a technique that is believed to have originated in the Song Dynasty, in which cinnabar is ground to a powder and added to clear lacquer. As with mining, there was inherent danger of mercury poisoning for those who carved the lacquer, as mercury was also released into the air when artisans ground the pigments. Most antique cinnabar...

This exceptional Swiss Black Forest chair offers a delightful surprise—a music box hidden inside will activate when the chair is sat upon. A remarkable example of the intricate craft...

With clean lines and balanced proportions, these 19th-century tall back chairs exemplify the refined forms of Ming-dynasty furniture design. The chairs are designed after the 'southe...

An unusually beautiful pair of antique Chinese horseshoe back chairs with striking lacquer finish. These gracefully shaped chairs will add...

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...

The defining characteristic of a Chinese Officials Chair is the way that the back crest rail turns continuously into the back posts. Our artisan...

This pair of 19th century elmwood administrator's chairs are from northern China and feature arching back splats hand carved with traditional motifs including peonies, sparrows, and ...

This pair of early 20th century walnut chairs owes its graceful design to the styles and techniques that emerged during the Ming dynasty, the golden age of Chinese furniture design. The clean lines of the spindleback form are interrupted by carved aprons on each chair's front, ornately cusped to resemble Ming-dynasty waisted stools. With a low back and gently tapered legs, these versatile, lightweight...