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Lot Essay
The elaborate decoration and substantial use of large sections of zitan make the present pair of armchairs exceedingly rare. While it is possible that the burl panels set into the splats, one or both of which appear to be huanghuali, may be replaced, the mixture of hardwoods to form a pleasing aesthetic is quite well known.
This pair of armchairs relates to a middle Qing pair of zitan armchairs in the Palace Museum, which have shaped cloisonné enamel panels set into the splats, and which can be found in the Chuxiugong (Palace of Gathering Excellence). The Chuxiugong was built in the Ming dynasty and restored in the early Qing dynasty, and was the living quarters of the Empress and Imperial Concubines, and wares made for the Chuxiugong were often of monumental scale. The Chuxiugong pair and the present pair share in common a massive carved and shaped crest rail, thick zitan struts supporting the elaborately carved arm rails, and detailed carving of the aprons.
This pair of armchairs relates to a middle Qing pair of zitan armchairs in the Palace Museum, which have shaped cloisonné enamel panels set into the splats, and which can be found in the Chuxiugong (Palace of Gathering Excellence). The Chuxiugong was built in the Ming dynasty and restored in the early Qing dynasty, and was the living quarters of the Empress and Imperial Concubines, and wares made for the Chuxiugong were often of monumental scale. The Chuxiugong pair and the present pair share in common a massive carved and shaped crest rail, thick zitan struts supporting the elaborately carved arm rails, and detailed carving of the aprons.