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
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…
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.
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.
This Mazu, the protector of sea farers, is portrayed as the imperially sanctioned “Empress of Heaven” seated on an elaborate horseshoe shaped dragon throne, hands clasped symbolically holding a hu tablet, adorned with elegant dragon robes, an official’s girdle, a flat-topped Empress headdress and small feet resting on a pair of gilt fu lions. Meant to be seen from all sides this beautiful carving is decorated on front and back.
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.
Seated imperiously on a horseshoe chair with legs on a turquoise embossed pedestal on a base with carved characters of her title “Holy Mother in Heaven,” this majestic Mazu is depicted in the imperial style, wearing a regal flat topped headdress and elaborate robes with dragons and an officials girdle at the waist highlighted in red and covered with gilt. This wonderful carving is in excellent condition after years of use.
End of content
End of content