Late Qing Dynasty Hunting Folding Chair

Details

Description

Sometimes called Hunting Chairs, or Jiaoy Armchairs, these horseshoe-back folding chairs were used by the imperial family, persons of rank … Read more Sometimes called Hunting Chairs, or Jiaoy Armchairs, these horseshoe-back folding chairs were used by the imperial family, persons of rank and scholars. Emperors used them as portable thrones while on diplomatic campaigns and leisurely outings. The superb design, dating back to at least the 12th century, is a masterclass in form and function. Elegant, portable and extremely stylish.

This one is a late 19th century example and is beautifully constructed in Elm and rosewood with decorative metalwork strengthening the joints and hinges. The top rail is perfectly dovetailed, without glue or nails, from three sections of wood and displays incredible craftsmanship.

One of the key features of these chairs is the surface carving. Imbued with traditional Chinese symbols of positive meanings, the chair also indicates the owner's wealth and status. Running along the façade of the seat are auspicious Chi-dragons, and on the splat are carved fortuitous symbols of good fortune, long life and prosperity which run the gamut from lively Qilin (Chinese unicorn), lotus blooms, Buddhist lions among other bears of luck.

This hunting chair folds with ease, and comes with a handsome attached foot-stool. The ageless flowing dense grains of the precious Huanghuali adds greatly to the chair's grand appeal



Condition is excellent, solid and useable. Showing some signs of age, some small scuffs/scratches etc. Signs of previous restoration, possibly one or two replacement pieces of metalwork. Overall this present superbly, highly decorative.

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