Chinese Wood Armchair

Horseshoe-back armchair in black, with arms that curve down to the seat.

This armchair is from Guangdong Province, China, and dates to the 19th century. It is elm wood. Many Chinese antiques are now returning to China through auction houses and foreign dealers, as Chinese buyers actively purchase older pieces back, which the article describes as reclaiming their heritage. Rounded crest rail sweeps into low arms. A central splat is dark and flat, the seat is a recessed panel, and a curved apron sits beneath it. Straight legs are joined by stretchers. Black surface with brown wear showing. It is 23.5 inches long, 17.25 deep and 38.25 high.

A chair with arms, opinions and a very straight back.