Ci Xi's Office Chair
Ci Xi did not have an official 'office chair' that was distinct from regular seating, and according to Qing Dynasty etiquette, she was not entitled to sit on the Dragon Throne; instead, she mostly sat on ordinary chairs while conducting state affairs.
From the perspective of Qing Dynasty etiquette regulations, the Dragon Throne was an exclusive seat symbolizing supreme imperial power, and only the emperor was qualified to officially sit on it. As the Empress Dowager, even though Ci Xi held sway over the government for a long time, she was ultimately not the emperor in terms of status. Therefore, strictly adhering to etiquette, she had no right to sit on the Dragon Throne. This regulation reflected the high degree of centralization of imperial power and the strict hierarchical system in the Qing Dynasty, with the Dragon Throne becoming an important symbol of the sole supremacy of imperial power that could not be usurped.
Ci Xi mainly controlled the empire's reins through the method of 'conducting state affairs from behind a curtain'. One of her main places for conducting state affairs was the East Warm Pavilion of the Hall of Mental Cultivation in the Forbidden City. Here, a curtain would be set up, and she would sit behind the curtain to listen to the reports and discussions of the Grand Councilors and then make decisions on state affairs. During this process, there is no record indicating that she had a specially customized 'office chair' with special symbolic significance or unique design. What she used should have been ordinary chairs that conformed to her status as the Empress Dowager. These chairs might have been relatively luxurious in terms of materials and decorations to reflect her noble status, but they did not have the unique imperial power symbolism like the Dragon Throne.
In addition, the main hall of the Palace of Gathered Elegance, where she lived, was also a place where she received officials and made important decisions. However, similarly, no historical materials mention the presence of a special 'office chair' here. As her residence, the interior furnishings and layout of the Palace of Gathered Elegance were mainly to meet the needs of living and daily activities. Although there were some decorations and furniture that showcased her status, there were no unique chairs specifically set up for conducting state affairs.
