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Late 19th Century Qing Dynasty Red Lacquered and Parcel-Gilt Altar Chair

About the Item

A late 19th-century Chinese Qing Dynasty altar chair, exquisitely handcrafted from hardwood and finished in a bold imperial red lacquer. This striking piece exemplifies the fine craftsmanship and technical woodworking skills for which Chinese artisans were renowned. Constructed using traditional mortise and tenon joinery—an advanced technique that requires no nails or glue—the chair demonstrates remarkable stability and artistry, hallmarks of Qing Dynasty furniture. The chair’s centre back splat features parcel-gilt cartouche decorations, each meticulously hand-carved and gilded with symbolic Chinese motifs and a central figural scene. The rich red lacquer and gilding reflect the traditional colours associated with good fortune and reverence in Chinese culture. Compact in stature, this antique altar chair measures 80 cm tall, 44 cm wide, and 36.5 cm deep, with a seat height of 38 cm, slightly lower than standard, making it ideally suited for use as an altar or prayer chair. Beneath the seat, a pull-out drawer provides discreet storage, likely intended to hold scrolls, prayer beads, or other ritual items essential for personal or ancestral worship. At over 160 years old, this Qing Dynasty chair is in good to fair antique condition. There is superficial wear to the lacquer finish and age-related wear to the corners of the back and seat, which only adds to its authentic character. Despite its age, the chair remains stable and functional, making it both a striking decorative piece and a piece of historical significance.
  • Similar to:
    James Mont (Designer)Tony Duquette (Maker)
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 31.5 in (80 cm)Width: 17.33 in (44 cm)Depth: 14.38 in (36.5 cm)Seat Height: 14.97 in (38 cm)
  • Style:
    Chinoiserie (In the Style Of)
  • Materials and Techniques:
    Gold Leaf,Hardwood,Lacquer,Carved,Gilt,Hand-Carved,Hand-Crafted,Lacquered
  • Place of Origin:
    China
  • Period:
    Late 19th Century
  • Date of Manufacture:
    Circa 1880
  • Condition:
    Wear consistent with age and use. Minor fading. Good to fair antique condition. Wear to lacquer, wear to corners and overall age wear to wood. Fully stable and functional.
  • Seller Location:
    Glasgow, GB
  • Reference Number:
    1stDibs: LU6391242264002

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