Chinese Rosewood Meditation Chair Low Chair

A remarkable pair of late 19th-century Chinese solid elmwood horseshoe hunting chairs, known as Jiao-Yi. These chairs, steeped in history and tradition, were reserved for individuals...

An extraordinary 19th century Qing dynasty 4-door vermillion cabinet with fine works of carving, painting, gilding and silvering. The solid wood construction consists of four frame members joined by tenons and mortises. The top and the main body connects through a decorative waist with carved begonias. Two center doors on dowels carved with the He-He Harmony Gods on the caps and two side doors operated by wood pegs on the frames. The top section of the doors feature three-dimensional carvings of noblewomen enjoying a garden. Fine depiction of architectural elements such as columns, fences, pavilion and stone flooring, as well as furniture, plants, and decorative objects. Both gilding and silvering are used to highlight the figures and to give more depth to the surroundings. Below the carvings are four oval medallions with carved poems, expressing joy in the spring season for renewed good fortune and prosperity. The beaded ovals are surrounded by elaborate scrolls of relief carvings in the "longevity" motif. Immediately under the oval sections are a set of 4 carved panels featuring birds on peonies and chrysanthemums. Further down, four octagonal panels with paintings of cranes...

This bentwood chair was created over a century ago in northern China by moistening, bending, and heating willow to form its desired shape. It is beautifully carved with auspicious flowers and is considerably smaller than most roundback chairs. As the height and size of chairs were traditionally marks of status in Chinese culture, it is likely that this artful chair...

This low 19th-century table is actually a step used for easily getting in and out of a raised daybed. Crafted of northern elmwood (yumu), the step features a plank top surface, carved lotus spandrels, and a prominent apron carved with floral scrollwork. The wooden step is finished with dark lacquer, now lightly worn along the edges with rich texture. Today, we love this low step as a tabletop display stand or a footstool beside a plush armchair...