Antique Chinese Garden Seat

Description

19th Century or earlier, 44cm x 32cm (17.3 x 12.5 inches).


This glazed stoneware seat is a very rare antique … more 19th Century or earlier, 44cm x 32cm (17.3 x 12.5 inches).


This glazed stoneware seat is a very rare antique example, striking and unusual in form and colour. The emerald green glaze is about the most attractive we have seen. Finely crackle glazed and translucent with blue, turquoise and purple tones all coming out of the firing. The seat top, with it's variegated tones and complex craquelure has real depth.


These marvellous stools have been used in China for 1000 years, and exported to the west for around 300. Evolving out of the Buddhist garden tradition, where natural elements like tree stumps and smooth rocks were used as seats, by the Song Dynasty (960-1279), these types of stools were used both indoors and outdoors as casual seating. Indoor stools were typically portable and made out of wood, while outdoor furniture, needing to withstand the elements, began to be made out of glazed stoneware.


This example, around 200 years old, will probably withstand outdoor conditions, but we would recommend it for the home. These versatile and elegant stools make a wonderful addition to any modern interior as side tables or seating.



Condition:

Overall excellent, with original firing and glaze imperfections. A couple of small nibbles of later damage, please see images. less