Chinese Ming Dynasty Ornate Carved Wood Emperor's Throne Chair. Impressive carved hardwood Chinese emperor's throne chair, dated 16th Century (Ming Dynasty). Tall back with openwork foliate design. Decorated with dragon motifs on terminals, arms, and across the legs and back.
Chinese emperor’s throne chairs were grand, highly symbolic seats that embodied imperial authority, Confucian hierarchy, and celestial order. Often crafted from richly grained hardwoods like huanghuali or zitan, these thrones were elevated, rectangular in form, and featured imposing straight backs, broad armrests, and footrests to emphasize the ruler’s exalted status. Throne chairs were typically placed on raised platforms within audience halls, framed by dragon motifs, cloud patterns, and lacquered or gilded details signifying power and divine right. The dragon—emblem of the emperor—was a common decorative element, often carved in relief or embroidered on accompanying textiles. More than functional furniture, these thrones were ritual objects, central to court ceremonies, governance, and the visual language of empire.
Size: 25 1/2 x 37 x 57 1/2 in.
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