An armchair of this kind is characterised by its projecting crest rail and handgrips. It is also called a ‘yokeback armchair’ due to the shape of its crest rail. It is the most spectacularly designed of all Chinese chairs. Shown here is a Ming-style chair with out-curving handgrips and a thick and strong crest rail; all projecting ends terminate in a highly decorative rounded form. The spat looks elegant with its plain surface. The overall design imparts a sense of dignity, refinement and simple elegance. Although the style is essentially that of the Qing period, the proportion and detail treatment are still in tangent with the Ming scholar spirit.
