Ming Dynasty Chinese Ceremonial Chairs, 1870s, Set of 4

This series of four beautiful and rare Chinese ceremonial chairs has some unique features. It is important to note that two chairs are of one height, while the other two are slightly lower (see photo). This difference does not detract from their value; in fact, it adds a unique characteristic. The two lower chairs have identical inlay designs on the high back panels, while the higher chairs have different designs from each other.
The light wood inlay designs, located on the center panels of each chair, are enclosed in a curvilinear track. Due to their general shape, they can be classified as ceremonial chairs. The inlay decorations represent auspicious symbols and scenes of good luck and prosperity. Compared to ordinary chairs, these have wider seats and more complex workmanship, with several slabs of wood connected by joints without the use of nails. The central panels of the backrests are finely decorated and curved outward for more comfortable seating. The legs are thick, massive, and slightly flared outward for perfect stability, ensuring the chairs are comfortable for long and exhausting ceremonies.
These chairs were made between 1870 and 1875, during the Qing dynasty, but in the Ming style. Although they predate the nineteenth-century period, the Ming style greatly influenced later production. Ming chairs are characterized by clean lines, balance, and functional simplicity. It is likely that our chairs were created in a skilled workshop in Beijing, a major center for furniture production known for its high-quality chairs, often commissioned by the nobility and the imperial court. The other main centers of chair production, Suzhou and Guangzhou, had characteristics that did not match our chairs. Suzhou craftsmen specialized in intricate details and designs, while Guangzhou was known for the influence of international trade, resulting in more elaborate and ornate designs.
Regarding wood, during the Ming period, Hanghuali (a rare and fine rosewood) was used, prized for its hardness and natural beauty. Our chairs, however, were made during the Qing dynasty, when Zitan was used. Zitan is a hard, dense wood with inconspicuous grain and fine texture, similar to rosewood, from Indochina and Hainan Island, highly prized by Chinese craftsmen and their demanding and refined clientele of nobles. Nineteenth-century Chinese chairs display a wide variety of styles and techniques, reflecting both local traditions and outside influences. The craftsmanship and quality make these pieces of furniture not only functional but also works of art.
We have not restored the wooden structure of the chairs, as their surface patina and small imperfections add to their allure and attest to their antiquity and authenticity. A few of the small columns spacing the lower part of the seat are missing, with a small partition placed between the two front legs. We could not find the original wood to replace the missing pieces, so we preferred to leave the chairs in their original condition.
Measurements: width 50 cm, depth 39 cm, height 93 cm, seat height 50 cm.