A RARE PAIR OF IMPORTANT CHINESE ZITAN 'FOUR-CORNERS EXPOSED OFFICIAL'S HAT' ARMCHAIRS, SICHUTOUGUANMAOYI
17TH-18TH CENTURY
Each has a curved, protruding crest rail supported on an S-shaped splat and elegantly curved rear posts, carved with a chi-long dragon inside a ruyi cartouche reserve flanked by shaped, beaded spandrels, gracefully curved standing stiles which continue to form the rear legs. The rectangular frame encloses flat surface seat above scrolling twigs carved aprons and spandrels. The legs are joined by stepped stretchers and a footrest with shaped apron. Feathery fine grain, dense, dark purplish patina.

Dimension: 47" H x 26" L x 12" D

Reference: Sarah Handler, "A Yoke back Chair for Sitting Tall", JCCFS, Spring 1993, p. 15, fig. 20
Wang et al., Masterpieces from the Museum of Classical Chinese Furniture, p. 54, no. 25