Pair of Bentwood Chrysanthemum Armchairs

This pair of provincial 19th century armchairs from Shanxi province offers an unusual play on traditional forms. The chairs are designed in a classical style known as a "yoke-back chair," defined by a tall back, curved arms, a flat back yoke, and a protruding top crest rail. Though typically a grand chair of rare materials, these yoke-back chairs incorporate elements of more rustic furniture, crafted with bentwood frames, slatted bamboo seats and imprecise lines for a wabi-sabi feel. The backsplats are carved with round chrysanthemum medallions for longevity and the sinuous top rails end in carvings that imitate the cinched fabric of a coin purse. The original finish of red-brown lacquer has softly faded from years of use for a timeworn appearance and burnished texture.