Huanghuali Folding Chair, Minimalist Design with Elaborate Metalwork
A Huanghuali folding chair, jiaoyi, 18th/ 19th century 38.98 in. high, 28.74 in. wide, 24.02 in. D. Provenance: Private collection, Sydney, acquired in Hong Kong during the 1990s First developed during the Song Dynasty, the folding armchair had become a designated seat of honour in the households of the ruling and upper class by the Ming Dynasty. Their design reaching a pinnacle during the 16th and 17th century, these chairs are almost identical in form, dimensions and proportions, with a variety of carving decorations in their backsplats, leg curves, and seat aprons. A minimalist approach has been taken in this example in the above mentioned components, their outlines traced with 'scrolling cloud' edges in low relief. This contrasts the fully decorated metal mounts with uniformly engraved 'scrolling lotus' against ring-punched grounds. A similarly designed folding armchair, with simplistic carving and elaborated metalwork was sold with Christie's, New York, Fine Chinese Furniture, Ceramics and Works of Art, 16 October 2001, sale 9734, lot 254.
You must be a subscriber, and be logged in to view price and dealer details.
Register Now to view actual auction price for this item.
- Ming Dynasty - The Ming Dynasty was a ruling dynasty of China from 1368 to 1644. It succeeded the Yuan Dynasty and preceded the Qing Dynasty. The Ming Dynasty was established by Zhu Yuanzhang, a former Buddhist monk who became a rebel leader and eventually overthrew the Mongol Yuan Dynasty. During the Ming Dynasty, China experienced a period of relative stability and prosperity. The government was centralized and bureaucratic, with the emperor at the top of the hierarchy. The Ming Dynasty is known for its cultural achievements, including the development of porcelain, the invention of movable type printing, and the construction of the Great Wall of China.
- Song Dynasty - The Song Dynasty was a ruling dynasty in China from 960 to 1279 AD. It was divided into two periods, the Northern Song (960–1127) and the Southern Song (1127–1279). The emperor was the ultimate authority, but he relied on officials who were selected based on their merit and skills rather than their family background or social status. The Song Dynasty was a period of great artistic and cultural achievements, particularly in the areas of poetry, painting, and calligraphy. The Chinese invented the printing press during this period, which revolutionized the spread of knowledge and ideas. During the Song Dynasty, China had a prosperous economy and was a centre of international trade, particularly in luxury goods such as silk, tea, and porcelain. The use of paper money became more widespread during this period, facilitating commerce and trade.
- Huanghuali Wood - Huanghuali is the most sought-after timber used in the construction of Chinese furniture because of its fine colour and grain.
During Ming and early Qing dynasties, most of the best furniture was made from huanghuali wood.
It is a member of the rosewood family and over time the surface mellows to a yellowish brown tone with the exposure to light.
In recent years, furniture made from huanghuali wood has increased exponentially in value.
This item has been included into following indexes:
- Chinese antiquities by dynasty - Ming Dynasty 1,266
- Chinese furniture, chairs
- Chinese furniture, timbers - huanghuali wood 159
