Early 20th Century Chinese Horseshoe-Back Armchair (Quanyi)

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This Chinese Horseshoe-Back Armchair (Quanyi) exemplifies the timeless elegance of classical Ming-style furniture. Defined by its continuous, flowing U-shaped crestrail … Read more This Chinese Horseshoe-Back Armchair (Quanyi) exemplifies the timeless elegance of classical Ming-style furniture. Defined by its continuous, flowing U-shaped crestrail and armrest—evoking the form of a horseshoe or full circle—the chair achieves both sculptural grace and ergonomic balance.

The square seat and gently curved vertical back splat provide refined simplicity, while the surface retains an aged red lacquer finish with rich patina, showing areas of wear, craquelure, and dark wood beneath—an aesthetic highly prized for its authenticity and age.

Likely crafted during the late Qing Dynasty or early 20th century, this example honors the Ming design ideal of functional beauty and restrained proportion.

Historically, such chairs were seats of honor for household heads or distinguished guests, symbolizing prestige and authority. The circular form joined to the square seat embodies the traditional Chinese concept of “round Heaven and square Earth” (tianyuan difang)—a perfect harmony of form, function, and philosophy. See less