19th C, Elm, Shanxi. Chair constructed and decorated like fine adult version; shallow storage compartment under seat for toys. 21.25″ w, 17″ d, seat 9.5″ h, back 26.25″ h.
This child’s armchair is elaborately constructed, carved, and decorated like a fine version for an adult. It has humped crest-rail and arm-rails. The back-splat is divided into four segments with the top one showing relief leafy carving, the next deep carving of figures, the third a taohuan panel, and the bottom one open carving of stylized dragons. Better than most adult version, it has thick carved openwork stylized ruyi side-posts when most adult ones have a simple one. This is no ordinary child’s chair. It can proudly share a place in a living room with adult furniture. The seat panel lifts up to reveal a shallow storage compartment for toys. The seat-panel is a replacement but the rest of the piece is original.