Pair of Chinese Antique Armchairs With Carvings

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The official name of this pair of chairs is Southern Official Hat Chairs. It is quite a lofty name, but … Read more The official name of this pair of chairs is Southern Official Hat Chairs. It is quite a lofty name, but justifiable for this pair from Shanxi Province, 19th century. The features of the chairs are fine examples of 17th century Ming Dynasty style chairs, which highlight the finesse of Chinese furniture, and the style continued through the Qing Dynasty. These chairs were traditionally used by scholars and gvernment officials in formal settings, symboliing status and authority.

This pair of hardwood (walnut) official's armchair with carved back saplat and fretwork is a fine example of Shanxi, and it also has some architectural elements. The stretchers under the arms resemble railings, The seats have a wide mite red frame. The apron with a cloud scroll pattern is a vestige of Ming Dynasty chairs. The same design is repeated along the chair legs. The wood is walnut, it is a dense hardwood. It appears furniture made of walnut are indigenous to Shanxi which is heavily forested. The chairs are well made. See less