Antique Lady's Red Lacquer Chair From Shanxi Province With a Didactic Message

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Antique Chinese furniture from Shanxi Province in North China has endearing qualities. They are often well made and better preserved, … Read more Antique Chinese furniture from Shanxi Province in North China has endearing qualities. They are often well made and better preserved, made of hardwood and often lacquered. Red is an auspicious color in China, and furniture in red lacquer are great accent pieces. The reason why this province produced better furniture is easily explained. Shanxi was populated even before China's recorded history. The Shang Dynasty existed from around 1600 BCE until its overthrow in 1050 BCE. The capital Anyang is located in the proximity of Shanxi. The long history provided stability and in the Ming Dynasty CE 1368 to 1644, the merchants of Shanxi created a system of security in handling money, much like a letter of credit without fear of being robbed on their way. Trade flourished and merchants accumulated wealth. Mansions were built and well furnished with well made furniture. Many of the pieces remain in good condition today.

This chair has many features that are not found among ordinary chairs. The crestrail ends in cloud crolls and the backsplat has a carving with a didactic message that is related to scholarly pursuits. The simple roundel design on the back is a stylized version of the letter "wan" meaning ten thousand. It also has an added meaning of unlimited or infinity - a fact of endless luck or happiness or whatever your heart desires. The carving below it shows a tall figure and a young boy in the motion of preparing ink on an ink stone. It could be a scholar holding a fan giving instructions to his page on ink preparation. All that hints at success in scholarly pursuits, and it is the first for me to see this hidden meaning on a chair. The elaborate ornamentation continues on the verticulated carvings on the apron in the front and sides under the seat. This has to be the most decorated chair in my experience, and the natural antique patina makes it extra attractive. See less