Folding chair with two birds among flowers
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.
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