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ID #SA1245798
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£2,485
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Outstanding Quality Antique Chinese Carved Hardwood Pair of Armchairs
For sale by London City Antiques
for sale €2,907     $3,156
£2,485
London City Antiques

London City Antiques

Sellingantiques Verified Since Jun 2020
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    At london city antiques we specialise in fine english antiques
Id #SA1245798
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Outstanding Quality Antique Chinese Carved Hardwood Pair of Armchairs

19th century
Description

An outstanding quality pair of antique Chinese carved hardwood armchairs, dating to circa 1860, displaying exceptional craftsmanship, intricate floral carving and beautifully proportioned traditional Chinese design.

These magnificent 19th-century armchairs feature elaborately carved openwork backs, each surmounted by a graceful arched crest incorporating finely carved roses, flower buds and scrolling foliage. The central back splats are particularly impressive, with beautifully detailed floral arrangements and pierced carving, creating a wonderfully delicate contrast to the substantial hardwood frames.

The elegantly shaped arms sweep downwards into beautifully carved supports, while the generously proportioned solid hardwood seats feature recessed central panels surrounded by moulded borders. Beneath each seat, an exceptionally decorative pierced and carved apron displays traditional Chinese geometric scrollwork, demonstrating the remarkable attention to detail throughout.

The chairs are raised on elegant cabriole legs terminating in carved scroll feet, their graceful curves complementing the intricate decoration of the backs and aprons. The rich, warm reddish-brown hardwood has developed a beautiful patina, highlighting the natural grain and depth of the carving.

Chinese hardwood furniture of this period is admired for its skilled craftsmanship, elaborate decorative carving and distinctive architectural forms. This particularly attractive pair combines the elegance of traditional Chinese furniture with the comfort and practicality of substantial armchairs.

A highly decorative and increasingly desirable pair of antique Chinese armchairs, ideal for a drawing room, sitting room, library, bedroom or entrance hall. Their intricate carved backs make them particularly striking when viewed from across a room, while their rich colour and elegant proportions allow them to sit beautifully alongside both traditional and contemporary interiors.

Condition Report

Very good antique condition, with minor age-related marks and wear consistent with their age and character. The hardwood retains a beautiful warm patina.

Measurements

Height: 91 cm (35.8 inches)

Width: 57.5 cm (22.6 inches)

Depth: 48.5 cm (19.1 inches)

Seat Height: 40 cm (15.7 inches)

Date: Circa 1860

Origin: China

Date of Manufacture

London City Antiques has dated these Chinese Carved Hardwood Armchairs to the 1860s.

Independent Date Guide ID 09720586
Dealer's Item Date1860s
Sellingantiques Date1860s
Sellingantiques agingItem 105-170 years old
Test ResultsPassed dating
Why Sellingantiques dated this piece to THE 1860s:
Mitred seat frames with floating panels: traditional Chinese construction allowing wood movement.
Angled scarf joints in the crest rail: hand-worked jointing typical of late Qing cabinetmakers.
Deeply carved rose crests: European design influence popular in late nineteenth-century Canton export pieces.
Natural shrinkage lines on the seat boards: decades of wood drying and movement.
Smoothed varnish on armrests and edges: many years of handling.

This Independent Date Guide was compiled by Sellingantiques using its own proprietary system. It works only from the photographs shown on this page and is never told the date the dealer has declared. It is a guide, not a guarantee of age, and occasional errors can occur.

Physical Dimensions
Height
91cm (35.83")
Width
57.5cm (22.64")
Depth
48.5cm (19.09")
Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Reference
SA1245798
Dealers Internal Reference
3316
Dealers Notes

Find our large selection at www.londoncityantiques.co.uk

Please feel free to contact us should you have any questions regarding this item. We are always happy to provide additional information, further photographs or videos.

At London City Antiques we specialise in fine antique furniture and decorative pieces and hold an extensive and constantly changing collection. With many years of experience in the antiques trade we take great care in accurately describing each item and ensuring it is presented and delivered to the highest standard.

We can arrange competitive UK and international shipping and work with trusted specialist couriers who regularly transport antiques worldwide. Please contact us for a shipping quotation.

All pieces shipped internationally are supplied with an official Antique Declaration for customs purposes. Antiques over 100 years old are exempt from import duty when entering the USA and generally attract a reduced rate of duty when imported from the UK into most European countries.

Buy with confidence — every piece is carefully inspected and professionally packed to ensure it arrives safely.

Description
An outstanding quality pair of antique Chinese carved hardwood armchairs, dating to circa 1860, displaying exceptional craftsmanship, intricate floral carving and beautifully proportioned traditional Chinese design.
“
These magnificent 19th-century armchairs feature elaborately carved openwork backs, each surmounted by a graceful arched crest incorporating finely carved roses, flower buds and scrolling foliage.
London City Antiques

The central back splats are particularly impressive, with beautifully detailed floral arrangements and pierced carving, creating a wonderfully delicate contrast to the substantial hardwood frames.

fig 1. A pair of dark brown Chinese hardwood armchairs featuring openwork floral splats, curved arms, and carved aprons on cabriole-style legs.
fig 1. Outstanding Quality Antique Chinese Carved Hardwood Pair of Armchairs

The elegantly shaped arms sweep downwards into beautifully carved supports, while the generously proportioned solid hardwood seats feature recessed central panels surrounded by moulded borders. Beneath each seat, an exceptionally decorative pierced and carved apron displays traditional Chinese geometric scrollwork, demonstrating the remarkable attention to detail throughout.

fig 2. A pair of dark brown Chinese hardwood armchairs featuring openwork floral splats, curved arms, and carved aprons on cabriole-style legs.
fig 2. Outstanding Quality Antique Chinese Carved Hardwood Pair of Armchairs

The chairs are raised on elegant cabriole legs terminating in carved scroll feet, their graceful curves complementing the intricate decoration of the backs and aprons. The rich, warm reddish-brown hardwood has developed a beautiful patina, highlighting the natural grain and depth of the carving.

fig 3. A pair of dark brown Chinese hardwood armchairs featuring openwork floral splats, curved arms, and carved aprons on cabriole-style legs.
fig 3. Outstanding Quality Antique Chinese Carved Hardwood Pair of Armchairs

Chinese hardwood furniture of this period is admired for its skilled craftsmanship, elaborate decorative carving and distinctive architectural forms. This particularly attractive pair combines the elegance of traditional Chinese furniture with the comfort and practicality of substantial armchairs.

fig 4. A pair of dark brown Chinese hardwood armchairs featuring openwork floral splats, curved arms, and carved aprons on cabriole-style legs.
fig 4. Outstanding Quality Antique Chinese Carved Hardwood Pair of Armchairs

A highly decorative and increasingly desirable pair of antique Chinese armchairs, ideal for a drawing room, sitting room, library, bedroom or entrance hall. Their intricate carved backs make them particularly striking when viewed from across a room, while their rich colour and elegant proportions allow them to sit beautifully alongside both traditional and contemporary interiors.

fig 5. A pair of dark brown Chinese hardwood armchairs featuring openwork floral splats, curved arms, and carved aprons on cabriole-style legs.
fig 5. Outstanding Quality Antique Chinese Carved Hardwood Pair of Armchairs

Condition Report

Very good antique condition, with minor age-related marks and wear consistent with their age and character. The hardwood retains a beautiful warm patina.

Measurements

Height: 91 cm (35.8 inches)

Width: 57.5 cm (22.6 inches)

Depth: 48.5 cm (19.1 inches)

Seat Height: 40 cm (15.7 inches)

Date: Circa 1860

Origin: China

Date of Manufacture

London City Antiques has dated these Chinese Carved Hardwood Armchairs to the 1860s.

Independent Date Report ID 09720586
Dealer's Item Date1860s
Sellingantiques dating1860s
Sellingantiques agingItem 105-170 years old
Test ResultsPassed dating
Why Sellingantiques dated this piece to the 1860s:
Mitred seat frames with floating panels: traditional Chinese construction allowing wood movement.
Angled scarf joints in the crest rail: hand-worked jointing typical of late Qing cabinetmakers.
Deeply carved rose crests: European design influence popular in late nineteenth-century Canton export pieces.
Natural shrinkage lines on the seat boards: decades of wood drying and movement.
Smoothed varnish on armrests and edges: many years of handling.

This is an independent date report produced by Sellingantiques using its own proprietary system. The process uses the photographs shown on this page. The system is never told the date the dealer has declared. This report shows that the two dates corroborate.

Height
91cm (35.83")
Width
57.5cm (22.64")
Depth
48.5cm (19.09")
Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Ref
SA1245798
Dealers Internal Ref
3316
London City Antiques
London City Antiques
Sellingantiques verified Since Jun 2020

At london city antiques we specialise in fine english antiques

Dealer Profile

You can view the stock and full dealer information on the London City Antiques Profile Page

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A pair of dark brown Chinese hardwood armchairs featuring openwork floral splats, curved arms, and carved aprons on cabriole-style legs.
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Archive I A pair of dark brown Chinese hardwood armchairs featuring openwork floral splats, curved arms, and carved aprons on cabriole-style legs.

Outstanding Quality Antique Chinese Carved Hardwood Pair of Armchairs

Archive II A pair of dark brown Chinese hardwood armchairs featuring openwork floral splats, curved arms, and carved aprons on cabriole-style legs. View II
Archive III A pair of dark brown Chinese hardwood armchairs featuring openwork floral splats, curved arms, and carved aprons on cabriole-style legs. View III
Archive IV A pair of dark brown Chinese hardwood armchairs featuring openwork floral splats, curved arms, and carved aprons on cabriole-style legs. View IV
Archive V A pair of dark brown Chinese hardwood armchairs featuring openwork floral splats, curved arms, and carved aprons on cabriole-style legs. View V
Archive VI A pair of dark brown Chinese hardwood armchairs featuring openwork floral splats, curved arms, and carved aprons on cabriole-style legs. View VI
Archive VII A pair of dark brown Chinese hardwood armchairs featuring openwork floral splats, curved arms, and carved aprons on cabriole-style legs. View VII
Archive VIII A pair of dark brown Chinese hardwood armchairs featuring openwork floral splats, curved arms, and carved aprons on cabriole-style legs. View VIII
Archive IX A pair of dark brown Chinese hardwood armchairs featuring openwork floral splats, curved arms, and carved aprons on cabriole-style legs. View IX
Archive X A pair of dark brown Chinese hardwood armchairs featuring openwork floral splats, curved arms, and carved aprons on cabriole-style legs. View X
Archive XI A pair of dark brown Chinese hardwood armchairs featuring openwork floral splats, curved arms, and carved aprons on cabriole-style legs. View XI
Archive XII A pair of dark brown Chinese hardwood armchairs featuring openwork floral splats, curved arms, and carved aprons on cabriole-style legs. View XII
Archive XIII A pair of dark brown Chinese hardwood armchairs featuring openwork floral splats, curved arms, and carved aprons on cabriole-style legs. View XIII
Archive XIV A pair of dark brown Chinese hardwood armchairs featuring openwork floral splats, curved arms, and carved aprons on cabriole-style legs. View XIV
Archive XV A pair of dark brown Chinese hardwood armchairs featuring openwork floral splats, curved arms, and carved aprons on cabriole-style legs. View XV
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A pair of dark brown Chinese hardwood armchairs featuring openwork floral splats, curved arms, and carved aprons on cabriole-style legs.
Outstanding Quality Antique Chinese Carved Hardwood Pair of Armchairs
Ref: SA1245798
A pair of dark brown Chinese hardwood armchairs featuring openwork floral splats, curved arms, and carved aprons on cabriole-style legs.
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Every single antique dealer on our platform is individually approved by our internal team. We verify their professional trade history, ethical standards, and photographic quality to ensure a secure, high-standard buying environment. Upon joining, every dealer agrees to a strict 9-point code of conduct. While issues can occasionally arise, our dealers typically resolve them swiftly and directly with the buyer. In fact, since our founding in 2002, Sellingantiques has only had to step in to help resolve an issue on roughly five occasions—a true testament to the quality of our dealers and their dedication to your happiness.
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Written by Sellingantiques from the dealer’s photographs and listing
  • ObjectArmchairs
  • Period19th century
  • StyleChinese Qing Dynasty
  • MaterialHardwood
  • ColourDark Brown
  • MotifsPierced openwork splat, Cabriole legs, Carved scroll apron, Contoured armrests
  • SizeH 91 cm (36 in) x W 57.5 cm (23 in) x D 48.5 cm (19 in)

Traditional Chinese carved hardwood armchairs are distinguished by complex mortise-and-tenon joinery, intricate pierced openwork splats, and shaped aprons. They typically feature contoured armrests, panel seats, and symbolic carved motifs representing longevity, prosperity, or nature.

These pieces are predominantly crafted from dense tropical hardwoods such as zitan, rosewood (huanghuali or hongmu), and elm. Construction relies entirely on interlocking wooden joinery without nails or glue, allowing the timber to expand and contract naturally with atmospheric changes.

Authentic pieces feature hand-carved details displaying subtle variation, precise frame joinery, and evidence of historic wear along footrests and arm handles. Qing dynasty styles tend to feature more elaborate surface decoration, carved splats, and robust structural proportions compared to earlier minimalist Ming designs.

Chinese hardwood armchairs act as sculptural accent pieces in contemporary settings. Pairing them with neutral upholstery, modern artwork, or placing them as a symmetrical pair in an entryway creates visual contrast between historical craftsmanship and clean modern architecture.

Clean the timber regularly with a dry, soft cloth, using a soft-bristled brush to remove dust from intricate carving recesses. Apply a natural beeswax polish occasionally to nourish the wood and protect it from drying out, keeping the item away from direct heat sources and high humidity.
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