Pair of Carved Officials Hat Chairs From Shanxi – Late 19th Century

These antique Chinese chairs are usually known as officials hat chairs because the shape of the back was reminiscent of an officials hat. They are sometimes also called high yoke back chairs and were one of the earliest styles of Chinese chairs to emerge. They were often made in pairs for a husband and wife.

The back is the most important element of these chairs and this depicts a qilin, a symbol of luck, prosperity & wisdom. The arm supports are wavy which signified good energy.

These chairs are from Shanxi province in Northern China and are made from a mix of northern elm (yumu) and southern elm (jumu / zelkova) and were originally lacquered with a burgundy lacquer which has worn away in many parts.

Hat chairs were usually placed on each side of a wine or tea table and can be seen depicted in ancestor portraits and Chinese pith painting scenes.

Similar examples can be found in many books on Antique Chinese furniture including ‘Chinese Furniture’ by Mazurkewich – Fig 88.

From China

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