A PAIR OF RED LACQUER CHAIRS WITH CROSSED LEGS (KYOKUROKU), the pierced back supports decorated in gilt with geometric patterns and with gilt metal fittings engraved with scrolling foliage, similar fittings applied to the arms, seat frames and legs, black leather seats (old damage), 19th century

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A PAIR OF RED LACQUER CHAIRS WITH CROSSED LEGS (KYOKUROKU), the pierced back supports decorated in gilt with geometric patterns and with gilt metal fittings engraved with scrolling foliage, similar fittings applied to the arms, seat frames and legs, black leather seats (old damage), 19th century
102.7cm. high (2)

Lot Essay

This type of chair with a curved back seems to have been used from ancient time in China and did not go out of use in the Ming and Qing periods. Certainly sixteenth century emperors used such folding chairs on their travels. This Japanese example is said to be used by Zen priests and small holes at the end of the arms are for inserting priest's fans.
A Chinese example in the British Museum given by Sir Harry Garner and Lady Garner is in tsuishu and is carved with patterns of writhing dragons among clouds and datable to around 1500

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