Object Description
This pair of carved Chinese hongmu or rosewood armchairs date from the late Qing Dynasty, and combine extravagance and opulence with style and refinement. These thrones are adorned with mythological motifs, typical of this period, the major decoration here being these dragons, both above and below the panelled seat. The twisting bodies of the backrest and the arms, the curving forms of the serpents, are entirely free-standing, with no other support, and are placed upon a perfectly flat panelled seat, creating a pleasing contrast between the curved and orthogonal elements. The ends of the arms constitute the most striking areas: a pair of large and skilfully carved, open-mouthed dragon heads, flanking the sitter. Below, there is a frame with swirling clouds and dragons, this time carved in low relief: such that the multiple tiers of the chairs each exhibit different but harmonious manners of sculpture.