AF2-665: Antique Pair of Chinese "Sichutou” Official's Hat Armchairs Executed in Elmwood Late 19th Century

Antique Pair of Chinese "Sichutou” Official's Hat Armchairs Executed in Elmwood with tall back and uncarved back splats. These chairs are a good example of provincial "scholar's furniture" based on minimalist Ming Dynasty forms. Late 19th Century.

Dimensions: Back Height 47"; Seat Height 21 1/2"; Seat Depth 22 1/2"; Seat Width (front) 23"; Seat Width (rear) 23"

Comments: This Chinese arm chair is called “guanmaoyi” or the Official’s hat chair - so named because the crest rail resembles the hat tails of Song dynasty officials. This is more apparent in chairs where the crest rail extends beyond the rear supporting rails. Official hat chairs vary slightly in size. Some are tall and grand in appearance and were more likely to be found in the main hall where the senior members of the house sat to receive guests. The slightly smaller chairs were placed around the house and used by family and friends.The official’s hat chair which has the crest rail and arms extending past the supporting posts is also called “sichutou” meaning chair with four protruding ends. They are also called yokeback armchairs. Historical records indicate that this design pre-dates other Official hat armchairs. On formal occasions official hat chairs were draped with narrow silk runners while the person seated would wear their best robes to give the best impression of their wealth and status.