A PAIR OF HONGMU BARREL STOOLS, ZUODUN, 19TH CENTURY

拍品描述

A PAIR OF HONGMU BARREL STOOLS, ZUODUN, 19TH CENTURY China. Each of barrel form, the circular seat inset with a finely polished panel, above a narrow waist and cusped apron, the latter echoed by a corresponding apron at the base. The upper and lower sections are joined by five elegantly outward-curving legs, terminating in short tab feet. (2) Expert’s note: Hongmu (红木), literally “red wood,” is a traditional Chinese term for a group of dense reddish-brown tropical hardwoods, rather than a single botanical species. During the 19th century, and particularly in the later Qing dynasty, hongmu became increasingly popular in Chinese furniture making. Its durability, attractive dark color, and ability to take a fine polish made it especially suitable for small pieces of furniture, stands, boxes, trays, and other refined objects for the scholar’s studio. Dimensions: Size 32.5 x 40.8 cm Barrel-form stools, known as zuodun, were among the most versatile forms of traditional Chinese seating, used both within domestic interiors and in gardens or courtyards. Their rounded silhouette derives from early Chinese drums, whose hide coverings were stretched over the body and secured by rows of nails. This association was frequently preserved through bands of raised bosses, even when the form was translated into wood, stone, or porcelain. Barrel-shaped stools were produced in cane and wood from at least the Song dynasty and remained popular throughout the Qing period. Auction result comparison: Type: Closely related Auction: Christie’s New York, 24 September 2020, lot 924 Price: USD 8,125 or approx. EUR 9,000 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing Expert remark: Compare the closely related form, carving manner, and size (45.7 cm). Auction result comparison: Type: Closely related Auction: Sotheby’s New York, 14 September 2019, lot 1430 Price: USD 6,250 or approx. EUR 7,000 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing Expert remark: Compare the closely related form, carving manner, and size (46 cm).

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