Chinese Mirror Black Lacquer Round Stools - a Pair

Description

Stools are the mainstay of seating in China. Most of us are unfamiliar with the Chinese Sumptuary Laws. They have … more Stools are the mainstay of seating in China. Most of us are unfamiliar with the Chinese Sumptuary Laws. They have been in existence since the Han Dynasty 206 BC to CE 220. In simple words, Sumptuary laws were a part of the hierarchical structure of that society. The laws governed the size of dwelling, the type of furnishings one could have based on one's status in society. Until the Ming Dynasty, chairs with backs and side arms were only allotted to high monks and important officials. Common people sat on stools and the working poor found squatting to be relaxing.

There are many stool designs in Chinese furniture, the round stool with cabriole legs is one of the popular ones. The spray legs are not just simply good design, they also offer a modicum of support. This pair has a round seat supported by a flair apron over four cabriole legs. A cross stretcher offers support and stability. If one examines the details under the seat, one would discover that seat was formed by many smaller pieces of wood. The stools are heavy and most probably made of elm - a heavy soft wood, and coated with Chinese black lacquer, a hard finish. The finish was made to look antique on purpose

Without going into a long discourse in the explanation, I can summarize what I have learned in the years of sourcing Chinese furniture in Southern China. I speak Cantonese, a language spoken in the area around Guangzhou (Canton.) The ease of language allow many conversations with furniture dealers. I was told that old used elm wood that was once wood beams in Chinese temples were excellent for furniture making. They are over 100 years old and have gone through the drying process so they are now stable. I am not sure that the pair of stools are indeed made of old temple beams but common sense tell me that they are likely. The few years before the ban of Chinese antiques including furniture and architectural artifacts was in place in 2009, the Chinese furniture market was already lacking in inventory. Part of the reason was the revival of antique furniture among the Chinese. Therefore the furniture makers began making antique looking furniture, and this pair of stools belongs to this category.

Please note that the cabriole legs of the stools will occupy a space of 21 inches in diameter. less