Folding Armchair, 17th century
Unknown artist, Chinaexpand_more
Huang-hua-li hardwoodexpand_more
Gift of Ruth and Bruce Daytonexpand_more 2000.37.2
On View in Gallery 216expand_more
This type of folding reclining armchair, while extremely rare (only three hardwood examples are recorded), is referred to in the Ming encyclopedia San-tsai t'u-hui as a "drunken lord's chair." With its attached headrest, slanted back and elongated arms, the chair is obviously designed for casual lounging and, unlike most Chinese armchairs, it encourages a relaxed posture. The solid frame caned seat is hinged at the front, enabling it to fold forward thus allowing the chair to be collapsed into a flat form for storage or transportation. When such chairs are depicted in paintings, they are usually shown being used by scholars in their studios or out-of-doors in casual settings.
Details
- Title
- Folding Armchair
- Role
- Artist
- Accession Number
- 2000.37.2
- Curator Approved
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