Folding chair with two birds among flowers

13th–14th century

Not on view

A very rare example from the early Ming dynasty, this chair illustrates the sophisticated craftsmanship of the lacquer and furniture from the period. The folding legs are well balanced with the armrests and curved back, which together create a stable and beautiful structure. Except for the rattan seat, all surfaces of the chair are made of lacquer. In addition to the meticulously carved geometric background, the chair also features a pair of paradise flycatchers among flowers on the back panel. Known as an “awarding ribbon” (shoudai) in Chinese, this type of long-tailed bird is a symbol of fortune and longevity.

Artwork Details

Overview

Signatures, Inscriptions, and Markings

Provenance

References

元至明初剔黑飛鳥穿花紋交椅
Title: Folding chair with two birds among flowers
Period: Yuan (1271–1368) to early Ming (1368–1644) dynasty
Date: 13th–14th century
Culture: China
Medium: Carved lacquer, rattan seat
Dimensions: H. 38 in. (96.5 cm); W. 26 1/8 in. (66.4 cm); D. (approx.) 17 in. (43.2 cm)
Classification: Furniture
Credit Line: Rogers Fund, 1969
Object Number: 69.217
Curatorial Department: Asian Art

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