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Item #: CHN1001
Name: Maiden Chair
Circa: Late Qing dynasty (Late 19th Century)
Wood: Jumu/Southern Elm, durable
Region: Jiangsu, China
Dimensions: 17"X13"X28"
Condition: Excellent
Guarantee: 100% authentic antique, one-of-a-kind

 

This chair is so cute with 5-brush pen style backrest and the seat. It is nicely constructed in Ming style with round edges of the top panel and outer round legs, but the spindle rails above spandrel is late Qing style. It is a perfect combination of Ming style structure plus creativity of decorative spindle rails. The well selected Jumu wood with original reddish color pigment gives this chair a rich look and shows beautiful texture. The curved backrest and perfect proportion make you feel so comfortable to lean on. You can get a sense of gracefulness of a Chinese maiden sitting on the chair with back arched on the curved backrest and tiny bound feet resting on the foot spandrel.  The scientific design, strict structure and exquisite craftsmanship make this chair not only simple, yet elegant, but also joyful, practical and functional. This chair is perfect with its rare character.
 

Item  # MAP001
Name: Monk Bench (禪)
Circa: Mid Qing Dynasty (Mid 19th Century)
Wood: Aged Jumu (southern elm)
Region: Jiangsu, China
Dimensions: 47.8” W x 10.5”Dx8.4”H
Condition: very good, shrunk and deformed at one side of the frame.
Guarantee: 100% authentic antique, one-of-a-kind
 

A one piece top board is constructed of selected aged Jumu wood with beautiful reddish color and beautiful tower grain texture.  Eight carved checkpost flowers not only provide some support but also add some accent. Jumu is classified into three kinds,  among them, aged Jumu is well known for its reddish color and beautiful tower texture.

This bench was used for monks to hunker on for religious meditations for hours every day, all year around, thus it is deformed at one side of the frame due to the weight of body at one side, but attests to its antiquity. It can act as either a step in front of a high bed or a display stand behind couch or in front of full size window or fireplace to display some decorative accessories. It is collectible for its function and religious culture value.