Chinese Armchair with Rattan Inset

Flame grain runs up the back splat like a fire that agreed to stay put.

This armchair with rattan inset is from China, contemporary, in elm wood and rattan. The high yoke back and protruding crest rail follow a long-loved Chinese chair type, often called the official's hat chair after the winged caps of the scholar class. The broad single splat is finished in a glossy red-brown that brings out dense, swirling figure in the elm. Gently curved arms end in rounded grips. A woven rattan panel forms the seat, with arched aprons and low stretchers below. It is 23.5 inches long, 18 deep and 43.5 high.

Formal enough for the head of the table, comfortable enough to stay there.