Low Chinese Bentwood Chair, c. 1850

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...

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 favour 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 crest rail 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 Chinese Qing Dynasty period elmwood horseshoe back chair from the 19th century, with hand-carved medallion and natural patina. Created in China during the Qing Dynasty, this elmwood chair...

A Chinese Qing Dynasty period wooden armchair from the 19th century, with hand-carved motifs, serpentine open arms and straight legs with stretchers. Created in China during the Qing Dynasty, this chair features an open wooden back, adorned with a curving splat accented with a hand-carved floral motif, responding beautifully to the carved décor connecting the upper rail to the side supports. Two serpentine open arms with swan neck frontal supports rest on the rectangular seat presenting a central recessed panel. The chair is raised on four traditional legs, connected to one another through side stretchers or varying heights. With its clean lines, lovely light brown lacquer finish and delicate décor, this 19th century Qing Dynasty Chinese chair...

A Chinese Qing Dynasty period carved wooden lacquered elmwood armchair from the 19th century, with traditional auspicious motifs. Created in China during the Qing Dynasty, this elm armchair features a straight, slightly in-curving back showcasing a splat carved with traditional motifs such as calligraphy, scholar's objects and foliage. Two curving arms come to rest on the wooden seat with recessed panel while the ensemble is raised on four straight legs connected to one another through aprons carved on three sides. Boasting a nice patina, this 19th century Chinese Qing Dynasty elm...

A Qing dynasty (1644–1912) Chinese ox blood red lacquered parcel gilt carved Hongmu wood wedding chair. Unusual form featuring a concealed storage drawe...