Image of Gallery in South Kensington
On display at V&A South Kensington
China, Room 44, The T.T. Tsui Gallery

Armchair

1550-1600 (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

This armchair is a typical example of furniture made during the Ming dynasty (1368-1644). Its beauty lies in the simplicity of form, the high quality of the wood, and the meticulous craftsmanship. It is constructed entirely of mortise-and-tenon joints and without the use of nails. The wood is known as 'chicken wing' wood, a reference to the material's feathery grained appearance.


Object details

Category
Object type
Materials and techniques
Jichi (chicken wing) wood, a species of Ormosia
Brief description
Wooden armchair, China, Ming dynasty, ca. 1550-1600
Physical description
Armchair with square seat, an S-curve splat and a curving top rail. The wood is known as 'chicken wing' wood, a reference to the material's feathery grained appearance.
Dimensions
  • Height: 106cm
  • Length: 63cm
Style
Summary
This armchair is a typical example of furniture made during the Ming dynasty (1368-1644). Its beauty lies in the simplicity of form, the high quality of the wood, and the meticulous craftsmanship. It is constructed entirely of mortise-and-tenon joints and without the use of nails. The wood is known as 'chicken wing' wood, a reference to the material's feathery grained appearance.
Collection
Accession number
FE.27-1989

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Record createdDecember 12, 2008
Record URL
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