HOT ! Horseshoe Armchair, Warm Elm

This version of our horseshoe armchair is in our \'warm\' finish, chairs like this one were symbols of status in Ming dynasty China. Known also in Chinese as \'Grand Tutor Chairs\' (taishi yi), they were used initially at court and by high ranking officials. They later became more common but were still reserved for the most important visitors members of a household. One of the most recognisable of Chinese designs, the chairs feature a beautifully curved back which extends to the arms in a horseshoe shape. This was normally made either from three or five pieces of wood, with complex joinery holding them together, though more rudimentary versions were also made using a single piece of flexible wood such as willow. Ours is in elm with a rattan seat panel and the curved back splat features a dragon in carved relief. The chair\'s sleek curves and proportions will add sophistication to any setting.