Classic Officer Hat Guanmaoyi armchair – Ming style

The distinctive top bar and curved armrests widen and stick out past the frame of the chair. This shape refers to the official hats worn by dignitaries during the Ming and Qing dynasties—in ancient China, a chair like this was a symbol of high status and was reserved for the most important people in the house.

The middle board of the backrest (called a splat) is curved into an “S” shape. This clever solution by ancient master carpenters makes the chair fit the natural curve of the spine perfectly, making it very comfortable to sit in.

The chair has a solid, smooth, wooden seat. The lack of any extra upholstery lets you fully appreciate the deep, rich wood grain and its warm color, which gets even more beautiful with age.

Under the seat is a subtle, carved apron with a delicate, openwork detail. It gives the whole sturdy structure a lighter look.