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Lot Essay
Curtis Evarts, Independent Scholar
The Chinese term taishi yi (literally 'grand master’s chair') aptly conveys the majestic presence of this large huanghuali horseshoe armchair. In use since the Song dynasty, the term evolved over time and by the Qing period came to denote any large, throne-like chair of exceptional quality—an emblem of rank and identity. The imposing scale of this armchair may well have served as a hierarchical marker for a powerful magistrate or prosperous merchant, its authority further amplified by the dragon heads carved on the handgrips, turning back to gaze at the sitter.
This chair was executed with mastery, and the form—enlarged from the standard horseshoe armchair—retains superb proportions. The curvature of the S-shaped backrest and side posts harmonize elegantly with the gooseneck front posts and outward-curving rear posts to create a comfortable enclosure. A touch of archaic styling is evoked through the frame-and-panel construction of the backrest and the vase-shaped bases of the side posts. The outward splay of the base provides a solid grounding. Overall, the craftsmanship is of exquisite quality.
Chen acquired this armchair from the former T. T. Tsui Collection in the 1997 sale Classical Chinese Furniture from the Jingguangtang Collection. According to the Hong Kong dealers who first discovered it in the early 90s, the chair was found together with its footrest—a lowly servant used to elevate the feet, and moreover, another symbol of status. Today, it remains as a rare matched set in huanghuali. With or without this companion, the chair is a unique and distinguished embodiment of the taishi yi.
This item is made of a type of Dalbergia wood which is subject to CITES export/import restrictions since 2 January 2017. This item can only be shipped to addresses within Hong Kong or collected from our Hong Kong saleroom and office unless a CITES re-export permit is granted. Please contact the department for further information.
The Chinese term taishi yi (literally 'grand master’s chair') aptly conveys the majestic presence of this large huanghuali horseshoe armchair. In use since the Song dynasty, the term evolved over time and by the Qing period came to denote any large, throne-like chair of exceptional quality—an emblem of rank and identity. The imposing scale of this armchair may well have served as a hierarchical marker for a powerful magistrate or prosperous merchant, its authority further amplified by the dragon heads carved on the handgrips, turning back to gaze at the sitter.
This chair was executed with mastery, and the form—enlarged from the standard horseshoe armchair—retains superb proportions. The curvature of the S-shaped backrest and side posts harmonize elegantly with the gooseneck front posts and outward-curving rear posts to create a comfortable enclosure. A touch of archaic styling is evoked through the frame-and-panel construction of the backrest and the vase-shaped bases of the side posts. The outward splay of the base provides a solid grounding. Overall, the craftsmanship is of exquisite quality.
Chen acquired this armchair from the former T. T. Tsui Collection in the 1997 sale Classical Chinese Furniture from the Jingguangtang Collection. According to the Hong Kong dealers who first discovered it in the early 90s, the chair was found together with its footrest—a lowly servant used to elevate the feet, and moreover, another symbol of status. Today, it remains as a rare matched set in huanghuali. With or without this companion, the chair is a unique and distinguished embodiment of the taishi yi.
This item is made of a type of Dalbergia wood which is subject to CITES export/import restrictions since 2 January 2017. This item can only be shipped to addresses within Hong Kong or collected from our Hong Kong saleroom and office unless a CITES re-export permit is granted. Please contact the department for further information.