Chinese Dining Chair with Arm

An armchair that makes good posture look like a design choice.

Another dining chair with arms from Beijing, China, this one in rosewood with brass, dates to the 20th century. Its graceful rounded back and arms flow together as one continuous curve. The splat behind the sitter holds a pale circular inlaid ornament, and the seat panel is polished smooth. Four straight legs finish in tiny curled feet. The surface is a warm, dark red-brown with a soft gloss, and the joints are clean and tight.

About 35 inches high and 22 inches wide. At the head of a table, it decides who is in charge.