Armchair
Unknown Artist
17th century
Medium
Purple sandalwood (zitan)
Dimensions
H. 40 1/8 In. (101.9 cm); W. 22 3/8 in. (56.8 cm); D. 18 1/8 in. (45.7 cm)
Classification
Furniture
Culture & Period
China · late Ming (1368–1644) or early Qing (1644–1911) dynasty
Department
Asian Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Purchase, The Vincent Astor Foundation Gift, 1976
Accession Number
1976.193.3a, b
Art Historical Context
This elegant armchair, crafted from rare purple sandalwood (z) in 17th-century China, exemplifies the exquisite furniture of the late Ming (1368–1644) or early Qing (164–1911) dynasty Measuring 40 1/8 inches high, with a seat width of 22 3/8 inches and depth of 181/8 inches, its form is both functional and refined, designed for seated contemplation or receiving guests. Zitan, a dense hardwood with a rich purple hue and fine grain, was highly prized for imperial and scholarly use due to its scarcity and resistance to insects, making pieces like this symbols of wealth and refinement. During thi...