What is a Chinese yokeback armchair?

A Chinese yokeback armchair, associated with historic Chinese interior design, features a prominent curved top rail reminiscent of an oxen yoke, historically favoured by scholars and high officials.

What materials are traditionally used in constructing these armchairs?

These chairs are predominantly crafted from regional hardwoods or elm timber, finished with protective layers of natural lacquer and joined using precise mortise-and-tenon woodwork without metal nails.

How can you identify authentic 19th-century Chinese armchairs?

Authentic 19th-century examples showcase hand-carved decorative central splats, historic construction techniques, and genuine surface wear to the lacquer, particularly along armrests and footrests.

How do you style Chinese yokeback armchairs in a modern interior?

A pair of these architectural wooden armchairs works well flanking a simple console table in an entrance hall or serving as accent seating in a modern living space.

How should red lacquer furniture be maintained?

Maintain lacquered surfaces by keeping them away from direct heat sources and excessive sunlight, dusting regularly with a dry, soft cloth and avoiding abrasive chemical cleaners.

for sale €1,463 $1,588

£1,250

LVS Decorative Arts

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Carved Splat Chairs

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19th Century Chinese Chair

Id #SA1225503

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Super Pair of Late 19th Century Chinese Elm Yokeback Armchairs of Good Patina with Original Red Lacquer

Name: Super Pair of Late 19th Century Chinese Elm Yokeback Armchairs of Good Patina with Original Red Lacquer
Brand: Antique
SKU: SA1225503
Price: 1250 GBP
Availability: InStock

19th century

For Sale by LVS Decorative Arts

Description

A super pair of late 19th century (circa 1870) Chinese elm yokeback or also known as 'Official’s hat' armchairs of good patina with original red lacquer.

This pair of armchairs each consist of a protruding top crest rail with yokeback headrest with scrolling decoration to either end with shaped side supports and curved back splat to the centre with circular pierced Wan character depicting a swastika symbol leading down to a carved and pierced deer symbol.

The rounded arms shaped to help to emphasize the size and also the openness of the chair leading down to the figured solid elm seats of good patina leading down to a decorative carved apron with a footrest and stretchers below.

This design of chair is one of the earliest chair designs recorded in China, they contrast solid structures with open spaces that give a sculpted quality which is very common in Chinese furniture.

The high back design symbolises wealth and grandeur to both the owner and any person invited to sit in them.

The swastika has been an important symbol for Hindus and Buddhists in some Asian countries for thousands of years and can be depicted in both the negative and positive position. The word 'swastika' is a Sanskrit (ancient Indian language in which Hindu scriptures and Indian poems are written) word meaning 'wellbeing', 'good existence' and 'good luck'. In Buddhism the swastika is the symbol of good fortune, abundance and eternity and is said to promote goodwill, compassion and generosity to all living beings, the deer is a symbol of longevity, wealth and grace in Chinese mythology.

These chairs are in very good original condition for age, are of stable construction and can go straight into a home.

Size:

Height: 46.25’’ / 117.5cm

Width: 26’’ / 66cm

Depth: 23’’ / 58.5cm

Seat height: 21.25’’ / 54cm

Physical Dimensions

Height

117.5cm (46.26")

Width

66cm (25.98")

Depth

58.5cm (23.03")

Declaration

LVS Decorative Arts has dated these Chinese Elm Yokeback Armchairs to the 1870s.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Reference

SA1225503

Dealers Internal Reference

LVS1439

Dealers Notes

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LVS Decorative Arts is a small family run business based in Suffolk, specialising in an eclectic mix of fine quality and decorative antiques from around the world.

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LAPADA & CINOA member

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All furniture is professionally restored to the highest of standards, using traditional methods, we feel that quality restoration is paramount to the longevity of the piece.

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INSURED DELIVERY INCLUDED IN LIST PRICE WITHIN MAINLAND UK FOR A ONE MAN COURIER SERVICE

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Worldwide shipping available, please contact us for a free quote to include professional packing and fully insured services

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PLEASE NOTE: viewing is 'By Appointment' only - please contact Liza a few days in advance to arrange this.

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Payments are accepted by bank transfer or cheque

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Please contact us if any further high definition photographs are required or please visit our own website as follows where you can zoom in on the photos:

www.lvsdecorativearts.co.uk

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You can contact Liza either by email lvsdecorativearts@btinternet.com or telephone 07703306451

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Please bear in mind: antique items for sale may have some wear and marks commensurate with their age which adds to the character of the piece.

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Thank you for viewing our stock and please don’t hesitate to contact us if you need any further information.

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Description

A super pair of late 19th century (circa 1870) Chinese elm yokeback or also known as 'Official’s hat' armchairs of good patina with original red lacquer.

This pair of armchairs each consist of a protruding top crest rail with yokeback headrest with scrolling decoration to either end with shaped side supports and curved back splat to the centre with circular pierced Wan character depicting a swastika symbol leading down to a carved and pierced deer symbol.

fig 1. A pair of late 19th-century Chinese armchairs crafted from dark red lacquered elm with shaped yokeback top rails and hand-carved central splats. — fig 1. Super Pair of Late 19th Century Chinese Elm Yokeback Armchairs of Good Patina with Original Red Lacquer

The rounded arms shaped to help to emphasize the size and also the openness of the chair leading down to the figured solid elm seats of good patina leading down to a decorative carved apron with a footrest and stretchers below.

“

This design of chair is one of the earliest chair designs recorded in China, they contrast solid structures with open spaces that give a sculpted quality which is very common in Chinese furniture.

LVS Decorative Arts

fig 2. A pair of late 19th-century Chinese armchairs crafted from dark red lacquered elm with shaped yokeback top rails and hand-carved central splats. — fig 2. Super Pair of Late 19th Century Chinese Elm Yokeback Armchairs of Good Patina with Original Red Lacquer

The high back design symbolises wealth and grandeur to both the owner and any person invited to sit in them.

The swastika has been an important symbol for Hindus and Buddhists in some Asian countries for thousands of years and can be depicted in both the negative and positive position. The word 'swastika' is a Sanskrit (ancient Indian language in which Hindu scriptures and Indian poems are written) word meaning 'wellbeing', 'good existence' and 'good luck'. In Buddhism the swastika is the symbol of good fortune, abundance and eternity and is said to promote goodwill, compassion and generosity to all living beings, the deer is a symbol of longevity, wealth and grace in Chinese mythology.