Mid 20th Century Pair of Chinese Dragon Rosewood Armchairs With Matching Dream Stone Inserts, Elaborate Carving and Handmade Needlepoint Seat Cushions

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Pair of elaborately carved Antique Chinese Style, solid Rosewood Arm Chairs with rare matching marble mystery stone back inserts depicting … Read more Pair of elaborately carved Antique Chinese Style, solid Rosewood Arm Chairs with rare matching marble mystery stone back inserts depicting a mountain and river scene. The mystery stones, often referred to as dream stones or scholar's stones are a centerpiece to elaborate rosewood carving. A detailed description of the combination, quality and rarity of the matching dream stones pictured here is important because of their contribution to the pair's value.

Dream stones are not merely decorative, they are the symbolic heart of the piece reflecting the owner's aspiration toward learning, inner cultivation, harmony with nature, and appreciation of the extraordinary beauty found in the natural world. Each chair is unique because no two dream stones ever display the same natural "painting." This symbolism is one reason authentic Chinese hardwood chairs with well-figured dream stones remain especially desirable among collectors of classical Chinese furniture. Their naturally occurring mineral veining resembles misty mountains, rivers, forests, waterfalls, or clouds. Unlike painted scenes, these "landscapes" are entirely created by nature.

For centuries, Chinese scholars believed these stones invited quiet reflection and stimulated the imagination as each viewer could interpret a different scene, much like looking at clouds or reading poetry. Sitting against a dream stone backed chair was believed to invite quiet reflection and stimulate the imagination. These dream stone chairs symbolized harmony with nature, scholarly refinement, meditation and contemplation.

When these matching Dream stones are combined in the rosewood chairs as a pair, the two complement each other beautifully. One contemplates infinity and the other celebrates the richness of the natural world.
Dream stone one pictured in photos 10 & 11 is a high quality dream stone because it possess several characteristics collector's value: strong natural landscape, excellent balance between dark and light mineral patterns, convincing atmospheric perspective created by layerd veining, calming panoromic composition and minimal visual distractions. Its mood is quiet, meditative, timeless. It reads as a classic "shan shui". This stone seems to emphasize transcendence, a natural illusion.

Dream stone two (which has the same coloration as stone one) pictured in 13 & 14 resembles a texturized aerial view of a river valley with winding watercourse, dark islands and fertile banks in the foreground. It is more pictoral, emphasizing harmony with nature, through an abstract landscape.



In addition to the dream stones, the pair display superb and rare quality carving with open work including a carved apron with dragon, dragon head support of the arms of. dancing dragons and exquisite orange/brown rosewood color. The top crest is carved with a long, serpentine four claw dragon twisting through stylized ruyi clouds and scrolling foliage symbolizing dragon's ability to move between heaven and earth Four-clawed dragons are significant because they were commonly used by nobility and high-ranking officials. The carvings flanking the dream stones, arm supports and apron continue the auspicious cloud motif found throughout the chair. Finally, he front legs terminate in carved animal or dragon-claw feet, adding to the mythical theme. Graceful curves throughout create an aesthetically pleasing shape in contrast to many "boxy" similar chairs. Must see in person to appreciate exquisite craftsmanship. Despite looking delicate they are solid and very heavy.

A bonus is the custom embroidery on textured fabric (initialed) on the custom seat cushions which completes the dragon motif. The back of the cushions are made of soft cream narrow corduroy with matching cording and back ties. zipper is hidden in the back side cording...
The pair is likely mid 20th century or earlier.

This rare pair is a beautiful compliment to traditional, asian or transitional decor since they are truly a piece of art that stand on their own in any environment. See less