Beiguanmao Office Chair
Among Beiguanmao office chairs, the four-protruding-end Beiguanmao chair is a classic type. It is introduced from multiple aspects as follows:
Appearance Features
The top rail and armrests of the four-protruding-end Beiguanmao chair both have protruding ends, resembling the wings of an ancient official's hat, which is its most distinctive feature. For example, the set of three four-protruding-end Beiguanmao chairs displayed by Chunxing Rosewood Furniture features an S-shaped curved single-piece backrest with mountain-peak patterns and uniform color. There is also an oversized four-protruding-end Beiguanmao chair modeled after the one auctioned at Guardian Auction House. Its top rail is designed like a pillow with both ends protruding upwards. The backrest is carved with dragon patterns on an S-shaped backrest carved from a single piece of wood, with lines added on both sides for outline. The wood grain shows clear mountain-peak patterns. The S-shaped backrest conforms to ergonomic principles. All structural components have curved shapes. The upper part of the rear legs is S-shaped, the armrests are three-curved with federal sticks, and the upper part of the front legs is made in the form of a retracted goose-neck with corner fittings added.
Structural Craftsmanship
The four-protruding-end Beiguanmao chair originated during the Song and Yuan dynasties. Its structure is characterized by a single-piece backrest, connecting sticks, and the technique of making the upright posts and rear legs from a single piece of wood. Its lines are square with rounded edges, conforming to ergonomic principles. In terms of craftsmanship, mortise-and-tenon joints are widely used. For example, in Chunxing Rosewood Furniture's four-protruding-end Beiguanmao chair, the small side table has straight-edged fine-seam single-piece construction. The humpback-shaped structure is stable. The apron has carved patterns. The front and rear legs are made from a single piece of wood, polished and waxed. The mortise structure is visible through the tenon. The bottom has two cross-pieces using the edge-clamping mortise technique, which makes the furniture structure stable and durable.
Material Selection
The four-protruding-end Beiguanmao chair is of a high grade and mostly uses high-quality woods such as huanghuali. For example, the set of three four-protruding-end Beiguanmao chairs displayed by Chunxing Rosewood Furniture is made of Laotian huazhi (Dalbergia bariensis). The seat panel is made from a single piece of wood split in half, with clear grain patterns. High-quality wood not only ensures the quality and durability of the furniture but also gives it unique grain beauty.
Historical Status
The four-protruding-end Beiguanmao chair has become a model of Ming-style furniture due to its mortise-and-tenon craftsmanship and grain beauty. During the Ming and Qing dynasties, it became popular due to the favor of the royal family and became a representative piece of furniture for hall decoration, possessing high historical and cultural value.
