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.
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Tudi Gong in horseshoe chair with typical kindly face, flowing beard, officials-attire: high hat, double waist belt, red color, holding a tael gold bar as wish for wealth. Most popular rural deity who protects small towns, residents and agriculture.
Masterfully carved ancestor mandarin official on horseshoe chair in the round with cabriole legs, considered a “marker of high status, finely dressed in long Mandarin coat and pointed rattan hat. Benevolent face was homage to a revered family member. It is one of our favorite ancestor figures.
This ancestor figure official sits on a horseshoe chair showing his status wearing official’s attire: 5-button Mandarin long coat with a round collar and woven hat. Has a personalized tranquil face with a hint of a smile.
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.
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.
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.
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