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ID #SA1225018
FOR SALE
£1,900
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Pair of Chinese Hardwood Horseshoe‑back Armchairs – Circa 1900
For sale by Arundel Decorative
for sale €2,223     $2,413
£1,900
Arundel Decorative

Arundel Decorative

Sellingantiques Verified Since Jan 2026
Browse dealers 36 items
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    Decorative french and period english furniture
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Pair of Chinese Hardwood Horseshoe‑back Armchairs – Circa 1900

1900 - 1920
Description

A fine pair of Chinese hardwood horseshoe‑back armchairs, dating to circa 1900, displaying the elegant curvature and refined joinery characteristic of late Qing dynasty craftsmanship. Each chair is constructed in dense, well‑figured hardwood with a rich, dark patina, and features the traditional rounded horseshoe‑shaped crest rail flowing seamlessly into the arms.

The backs are inset with intricately carved openwork panels, presenting stylised motifs executed with precision and balance. The square seats and straight legs are united by shaped stretchers, giving the chairs a stable, architectural presence. The quality of carving, the confident shaping of the crest rail, and the overall harmony of proportion reflect the skilled workmanship of the period.

This pair offers both decorative and cultural interest, working equally well as statement pieces in a curated interior or as part of a collection of Asian furniture. Their sculptural form and mellowed surface make them particularly appealing examples of early 20th‑century Chinese seating.

Physical Dimensions
Height
100cm (39.37")
Width
74cm (29.13")
Depth
50cm (19.69")
Declaration

Arundel Decorative has dated these Chinese Horseshoe Back Armchairs to the 1900s.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Reference
SA1225018
Description
A fine pair of Chinese hardwood horseshoe‑back armchairs, dating to circa 1900, displaying the elegant curvature and refined joinery characteristic of late Qing dynasty craftsmanship.
“
Each chair is constructed in dense, well‑figured hardwood with a rich, dark patina, and features the traditional rounded horseshoe‑shaped crest rail flowing seamlessly into the arms.
Arundel Decorative
fig 1. A pair of late Qing Dynasty Chinese dark hardwood horseshoe-back armchairs featuring carved back splats, sweeping crest rails, and rectangular panel seats.
fig 1. Pair of Chinese Hardwood Horseshoe‑back Armchairs – Circa 1900

The backs are inset with intricately carved openwork panels, presenting stylised motifs executed with precision and balance. The square seats and straight legs are united by shaped stretchers, giving the chairs a stable, architectural presence. The quality of carving, the confident shaping of the crest rail, and the overall harmony of proportion reflect the skilled workmanship of the period.

fig 2. A pair of late Qing Dynasty Chinese dark hardwood horseshoe-back armchairs featuring carved back splats, sweeping crest rails, and rectangular panel seats.
fig 2. Pair of Chinese Hardwood Horseshoe‑back Armchairs – Circa 1900

This pair offers both decorative and cultural interest, working equally well as statement pieces in a curated interior or as part of a collection of Asian furniture. Their sculptural form and mellowed surface make them particularly appealing examples of early 20th‑century Chinese seating.

Height
100cm (39.37")
Width
74cm (29.13")
Depth
50cm (19.69")
Date of Manufacture

Arundel Decorative has dated these Chinese Horseshoe Back Armchairs to the 1900s.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Ref
SA1225018
Arundel Decorative
Arundel Decorative
Sellingantiques verified Since Jan 2026

Decorative french and period english furniture

Dealer Profile

You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Arundel Decorative Profile Page

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A pair of late Qing Dynasty Chinese dark hardwood horseshoe-back armchairs featuring carved back splats, sweeping crest rails, and rectangular panel seats.
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Archive I A pair of late Qing Dynasty Chinese dark hardwood horseshoe-back armchairs featuring carved back splats, sweeping crest rails, and rectangular panel seats.

Pair of Chinese Hardwood Horseshoe‑back Armchairs – Circa 1900

Archive II A pair of late Qing Dynasty Chinese dark hardwood horseshoe-back armchairs featuring carved back splats, sweeping crest rails, and rectangular panel seats. View II
Archive III A pair of late Qing Dynasty Chinese dark hardwood horseshoe-back armchairs featuring carved back splats, sweeping crest rails, and rectangular panel seats. View III
Archive IV A pair of late Qing Dynasty Chinese dark hardwood horseshoe-back armchairs featuring carved back splats, sweeping crest rails, and rectangular panel seats. View IV
Archive V A pair of late Qing Dynasty Chinese dark hardwood horseshoe-back armchairs featuring carved back splats, sweeping crest rails, and rectangular panel seats. View V
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Arundel Decorative

Arundel Decorative
Telephone 07967 604264
Location
Merchants Hall
Rear of 18 High Street
Arundel
West Sussex
BN18 9AB
United Kingdom
Dealer Profile Page sellingantiques.co.uk/arundeldecorative
Verified Since Jan 2026
Items For Sale 36
Items Sold 14
Arundel Decorative
Arundel Decorative
Verified Since Jan 2026
View Dealer Info
Location: Merchants Hall, Rear of 18 High Street, Arundel, West Sussex, BN18 9AB, United Kingdom
Profile: sellingantiques.co.uk/arundeldecorative
Verified
Jan 2026
For Sale
36
Sold
14
A pair of late Qing Dynasty Chinese dark hardwood horseshoe-back armchairs featuring carved back splats, sweeping crest rails, and rectangular panel seats.
Pair of Chinese Hardwood Horseshoe‑Back Armchairs – Circa 1900
Ref: SA1225018
A pair of late Qing Dynasty Chinese dark hardwood horseshoe-back armchairs featuring carved back splats, sweeping crest rails, and rectangular panel seats.
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Cataloguer’s note

Written by Sellingantiques from the dealer’s photographs and listing
  • ObjectArmchairs
  • Period1900 - 1920
  • StyleQing Dynasty
  • MaterialDark Hardwood
  • ColourDark Brown
  • MotifsHorseshoe crest rail, Carved back splat, Mortise and tenon joinery, Curved aprons
  • SizeH 100 cm (39 in) x W 74 cm (29 in) x D 50 cm (20 in)

This pair of late Qing Dynasty Chinese horseshoe-back armchairs dates to 1900 and follows traditional Qing Dynasty design. Constructed from dense dark hardwood with a rich dark brown patina, the chairs exhibit rounded horseshoe-shaped crest rails flowing seamlessly into the arms, rectangular panel seats, and straight legs united by shaped stretchers. Each back is inset with an intricately carved openwork panel presenting stylised motifs. Signs of age include a mellowed surface with visible grain across the timber, sweeping curved arm terminals, and subtle variations in the dark brown wood tone. Measuring 100 cm high, 74 cm wide, and 50 cm deep, these armchairs function as statement pieces in a curated interior or as part of a collection of Asian furniture, working well within a gentleman's library or study. Built using mortise and tenon joinery, the architectural presence of the chairs stems from their sculptural form and balanced proportions. The combination of the dark hardwood timber, the confident shaping of the crest rails, and the precision of the carved back splats reflects the skilled workmanship of the period. These chairs provide both decorative and cultural interest while offering functional seating for daily use or display in traditional and modern rooms alike.

FAQs

Known as Quanyi, the horseshoe-back armchair originated in China during the Song Dynasty and matured during the Ming and Qing periods. The continuous sweeping crest rail symbolises heaven, while the rectangular seat represents earth in traditional Chinese cosmological philosophy.

Traditional Chinese chairs were constructed using dense tropical hardwoods such as Zitan, Huanghuali, or Hongmu. They rely on complex mortise-and-tenon joinery without metal fasteners or adhesive, allowing the timber to adjust to atmospheric changes.

Authentication involves examining exposed mortise-and-tenon joints, integrated scarf joints along the curved crest rail, and hand-carved back splats. Genuine historical examples also exhibit soft wear on the footrests and smooth hand-burnished oxidation around touchpoints.

Position them as a symmetrical pair opposite a modern sofa, or place a single chair in a study or entrance hall. Their organic architectural curves pair seamlessly with modern neutral color palettes and minimalist decor.

Keep the timber away from direct heat sources and direct sunlight to prevent shrinkage or splitting. Apply a light layer of microcrystalline wax once or twice a year with a soft cotton cloth to protect the surface finish.
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