Object Description
A super pair of late 19th century (circa 1870) Chinese elm yokeback or also known as ‘Official’s hat’ armchairs of good patina with original red lacquer.
This pair of armchairs each consist of a protruding top crest rail with yokeback headrest with scrolling decoration to either end with shaped side supports and curved back splat to the centre with circular pierced Wan character depicting a swastika symbol leading down to a carved and pierced deer symbol.
The rounded arms shaped to help to emphasize the size and also the openness of the chair leading down to the figured solid elm seats of good patina leading down to a decorative carved apron with a footrest and stretchers below.
This design of chair is one of the earliest chair designs recorded in China, they contrast solid structures with open spaces that give a sculpted quality which is very common in Chinese furniture.
The high back design symbolises wealth and grandeur to both the owner and any person invited to sit in them.
The swastika has been an important symbol for Hindus and Buddhists in some Asian countries for thousands of years and can be depicted in both the negative and positive position. The word ‘swastika’ is a Sanskrit (ancient Indian language in which Hindu scriptures and Indian poems are written) word meaning ‘wellbeing’, ‘good existence’ and ‘good luck’. In Buddhism the swastika is the symbol of good fortune, abundance and eternity and is said to promote goodwill, compassion and generosity to all living beings, the deer is a symbol of longevity, wealth and grace in Chinese mythology.
These chairs are in very good original condition for age, are of stable construction and can go straight into a home.
Size:
Height: 46.25” / 117.5cm
Width: 26” / 66cm
Depth: 23” / 58.5cm
Seat height: 21.25” / 54cm