Minneapolis Institute of Art

Low-Back Armchair

China

Date

18th century

Medium

Huanghuali hardwood

Department

Asian Art

Institution

Minneapolis Institute of Art

Although widely used by both genders, the so-called rose chair because of its small size and evocative name has traditionally been associated with women and the women's quarters. Comprised of slender sections of huanghuali, this petite armchair evokes a delicacy that does in fact have feminine overtones. The latticework designs filling the back and arm sections are comprised of addorsed and linked ruyi heads (the wish granting scepter) and cloud scrolls. Carved lingzhi fungus (the fungus of immortality) comprise the wooden struts between the stretchers and seat rails. The metal reinforcing mounts, required to reinforce several of the chair's delicate joints are original. China, Asia

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