Horseshoe Chair

Early in their history, the Chinese sat on floors atop mats. Over time chairs were introduced imitating raised platforms in Buddhist temples based on the belief that significant or wealthy individuals should be elevated above common people. Created in the Ming Dynasty the horseshoe chair has semicircular back rails and arms that slope slightly forward and arm terminals that bend slightly back. They were used by those of high rank and immediately became a sign of luxury, prestige and high social status, often used for depicting highly regarded ancestors and some deities. During the Qing dynasty, round and square backed horseshoe chairs were “markers of high status, seats of honour” (Clunis, p. 14) Miniature horseshoe chair mingqi were used in Ming tombs.
Craig Clunis, “Chinese Furniture,” Victoria and Albert Publications, London, 1988.

Showing all 6 results

  • Antique Earth God Tudi Gong, China (16332BOK) $775

    Antique Earth God Tudi Gong, China (16332BOK) $775

    $775.00

    Tudi Gong is the Chinese Earth or Land God referred to by many names and often fondly referred to by commoners as “Grandpa.” He is a syncretic deity and tutelary deity, responsible for administrating and protecting the affairs of small towns and villages, especially issues concerning agriculture or wealth, and is believed to control the…

  • Sale! Antique Mandarin Ancestor In Horseshoe Chair, China #19054BOK

    Antique Mandarin Ancestor In Horseshoe Chair, China #19054BOK

    Original price was: $850.00.Current price is: $695.00.
    H: 12.75” W: 6.625” D: 5.75” | FREE SHIPPING within Continental u.s.

    This masterfully carved ancestor as a mandarin official sits on horseshoe chair set on a footed high decorated plinth dressed in a well-appointed formal 3-button Mandarin long coat and pointed rattan hat. His face is uniquely and unusually individualized with heavy lidded eyes, in a benevolent expression and his advanced aged indicated by the wrinkles clearly depicting a loved individual. This exquisitely carved image in excellent condition with a fine patina was true homage to a revered family member and is one of our finest ancestor figures.

  • Sale! Antique Mandarin Ancestor on Horseshoe Chair, China #18061BEM

    Antique Mandarin Ancestor on Horseshoe Chair, China #18061BEM

    Original price was: $455.00.Current price is: $295.00.
    H:8.5 ”    W: 4 ”    D: 3.3 ”    |  FREE SHIPPING WITHIN CONTINENTAL U.S.!

    Portrayed as an official, this ancestor figure sits on a horseshoe chair showing his status wearing compulsory officials attire:  a 5-button Mandarin long coat with a round collar and official headwear – a woven hat whose shape and color reflected his rank. His personalized  personalized oval-shaped is tranquil with a hint of a smile on his pursed lips, and a triangular pigtail down his back.

  • Sale! Antique Mazu Empress of Heaven in Horseshoe Chair, China   H:13.375" (6003)

    Antique Mazu Empress of Heaven in Horseshoe Chair, China H:13.375″ (6003)

    Original price was: $1,050.00.Current price is: $650.00.
    H: 15.375” W: 8.625” D: 7.5” | CONTACT US AT 213-568-3030 or email [email protected] for SHIPPING.

    Mazu, protector of sea, is portrayed as the imperially sanctioned “Empress of Heaven” on an elaborate, horseshoe shaped dragon throne, holding a hu tablet, with elegant dragon robes, official’s girdle, Empress headdress and small feet on gilt fu lion foot rest.

    Add to cartLoading Done
  • Sale! Antique Ming Earthenware Horseshoe Chair, China  #3330BOK

    Antique Ming Earthenware Horseshoe Chair, China #3330BOK

    Original price was: $685.00.Current price is: $395.00.
    H: 7.375″  W: 4.375″  D: 3.75″ | FREE SHIPPING WITHIN CONTINENTAL U.S.!

    Horseshoe chairs were considered a sign of rank used by officials and often ancestral figures were portrayed sitting in them to reflect their high status. This well-modeled green glaze ceramic mingqi of a horseshoe chair is decorated with a yellow glaze imitating caning and the decorative carved circular design on the splat. It pairs well with item Ming Earthenware Horseshoe Chair 3331. This would be a fine addition to a collection of antique ceramics or simply a beautiful decorative piece to brighten a small space.

  • Sale! Antique Polychrome Mazu “Holy Mother in Heaven,” China,  H: 19.25" (3429)

    Antique Polychrome Mazu “Holy Mother in Heaven,” China, H: 19.25″ (3429)

    Original price was: $1,450.00.Current price is: $875.00.
    H: 19.25″  W: 10″  D: 8.75″ |CALL 213-568-3030 OR EMAIL [email protected] FOR SHIPPING.

    Seated imperiously on a horseshoe chair with carved title “Holy Mother in Heaven,” Mazu is depicted in the imperial style, with a regal flat topped headdress, elaborate robes with dragons, official’s girdle in red and gilt. In excellent condition after years of use.

    Add to cartLoading Done

End of content

End of content