19th Century Rosewood Oriental Curved Chinese Armchairs - Set of 2

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19th Century Rosewood Oriental Curved Chinese Armchairs - Set of 2

This pair of light elmwood Chinese armchairs, likely from the 19th century or earlier, embodies the classic scholar’s chair design, influenced by both Ming (1368–1644) and Qing (1644–1912) Dynasty craftsmanship. Featuring curved armrests, an open-back panel, and an ornately carved backrest, these chairs reflect the Ming emphasis on simplicity and balance, while the decorative elements align with Qing-era refinement. Inspired by official’s hat chairs (guanmaoyi), they symbolized status and authority and were commonly used by scholars and officials in study rooms or tea houses, representing Confucian ideals of functionality and elegance. Constructed from durable elmwood using mortise-and-tenon joinery, these chairs were designed for longevity, with an open structure allowing air circulation for comfort in warm climates. A broken lower ornate carving under the right seat will be retouched and repaired before delivery, ensuring the preservation of their historic charm.