19TH CENTURY

Chairs of this type are known as meiguiyi in the north but in the south they are known as wenyi or scholar's chair. The form is characterised by its low regular back and it is thought that when placed in the scholar's studio, it would fit neatly under the window without obstructing the view outside. The present pair of chairs are a variation of the standard form, which features aprons and spandrels framing the inner back and sides of the chair. Decorative variations of this type are more common, such as an exceptionally rare huanghuali lowback armchair inspired by lattice panels found in the gardens of Southern China sold at Christie’s Hong Kong, 27 November 2017, lot 8111.