Wood Jiali Chair

Everything here curves except the legs, which hold the line.

This jiali chair dates to the 20th century. It is sand blasted elm wood. Once China slowly opened to visiting diplomats and businessmen, a trickle of antique furniture leaving the country became a flood that lasted through the 1980s, the 1990s and into the early 2000s. Chair with a sweeping horseshoe top rail and flared terminals, a central splat showing lively figure, and a flat paneled seat. The front apron is shaped with small curves, and the stretchers sit low. Tone is mid-brown with worn edges. It is 22.5 inches long, 17.5 deep and 30 high.

Elegant enough to get away with sitting still.