A Pair of Chinese Folding Horseshoe Back Armchair Jiaoyi

Lot Details & Additional Photographs

Qing dynasty (1644-1912), 19th century, Ming style horseshoe shaped back chairs supported by an intricately carved back splat featuring qilin and cloud scrolls in openwork, the armrests supported by reverse brackets connected to the back seat stretcher and extending to the front rail, with brass fittings to joints, chair with twine seat, the footrest with two block feet, presented with later cushions.

43 x 33 x 24 in., Seat height 21 1/2 in.

Private Collection, North Carolina

The folding horseshoe back armchair was traditionally used by members of the Imperial family as well as by the wealthy and powerful, serving as a symbol of prestige and social rank. This style of chair is referenced as, “the first folding chair,” highlighting its significance as the seat of highest honor in a public setting. When crafted for Imperial use, they often functioned as portable thrones, and as such, are featured in Ming and Qing dynasty court paintings as the seats for emperors and empresses. These chairs were crafted from a range of materials, including luxurious hardwoods, exemplified by the one offered here.

Overall very good estate condition; one chair with a cloud bracket reattached; some scattered stress cracks to wood; two old breaks with repair to arm rail on one chair.