17TH-18TH CENTURY

This pair of stools has a commanding elegance, distinguished by strong curves and the crisp bands of bosses encircling the seat and foot. The subtly rounded form of the stools seen in the outward-curving legs balances the rhythmic undulations of the aprons at the top and the bottom, and is further emphasized by the fine beading. Bands of rounded bosses add the only decorative element to this nuanced and simple form and are a reference to the bands of nail heads used on drums to fasten animal skins to the frames. This decorative element is also seen in barrel-form stools in cloisonné enamel and porcelain.

A pair of larger huanghuali barrel-form stools of this same design, formerly in the Museum of Classical Chinese Furniture, was sold at Christie’s New York, 22 September 2022, lot 793. A related pair of huanghuali barrel-form stools were sold at Christie’s New York, 20 September 2024.