19th Century Chinese Hongmu Hardwood Reclining Chair

Details

Description

Up for sale is a well-structured genuine and solid Hongmu* (Suanzhi, or Chinese mahogany) Canton-style reclining chair or sedan chair … Read more Up for sale is a well-structured genuine and solid Hongmu* (Suanzhi, or Chinese mahogany) Canton-style reclining chair or sedan chair with long curved armrests and a stretchable platform for foot and leg rest, the three-part apron on the front of the stretchable platform carved with cloud-scroll pattern, and the sides of the cylindrical pillow carved with melon and vine motif, late 19th century, in overall good condition with wear, minor cracks and joint repairs consistent with age,, private Brooklyn collection
58 in. long (fully stretched), 28 1/2 in. wide, 17 in. high (seat), 33 in. high (overall)

*Hongmu - No early references to hongmu have yet been discovered; however, the equivalent southern Chinese term 'suanzhi' appears during the middle Qing period—its literal meaning, 'sourwood' describes the pungent odor emitted when it is worked. Most of the dark heavily carved Qing period furniture is made from hongmu. Also called 'blackwood', it can resemble zitan but lacks the latter's deep lustrous surface and its 'crab-claw markings'. There is also a light variety which can be difficult to distinguish from huanghuali. See less