Antique Chinese Horseshoe-Back Armchair, Ming Style, 19th Century

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This antique Chinese horseshoe-back armchair, known as a quanyi, brings quiet presence to any room. Made in the late 19th … Read more This antique Chinese horseshoe-back armchair, known as a quanyi, brings quiet presence to any room. Made in the late 19th century in the Ming style, it has a single sweeping crest rail that curves down into the arms and ends in gently outswept hand grips. The curved back splat is carved with a ruyi cloud medallion, echoed on the shaped apron below the seat.

The chair sits low, with a 12-inch seat height, and has a relaxed, grounded feel. That makes it a natural fit for a reading nook, a bedroom corner, or an entry beside a console. The deep, rich patina of the hardwood pairs well with antique Asian pieces, and it looks equally good against clean modern lines, linen upholstery, or a vintage rug.

Traditional mortise-and-tenon joinery and a sturdy stretcher base keep it solid after more than a century of use. See less