Office Chair - Four-Protruding-Ends Official Hat Chair

Among the 'protruding-end chairs', the four-protruding-ends official hat chair is a typical example. It will be introduced from multiple aspects below:

Origin of the Name and Structural Characteristics

The four-protruding-ends official hat chair is a type of chair furniture where both the top rail and the armrests have protruding ends. It is named after its resemblance to the wings of an ancient official's hat. This unique structure makes it stand out among numerous chair types and gives it a high degree of recognizability. Its structure features a single backrest panel, connecting rods, and a one-piece construction of the stiles and back legs. The lines are square with rounded edges, embodying a robust and powerful aesthetic while also conforming to ergonomic principles, providing a comfortable sitting experience.

Materials and Craftsmanship

The four-protruding-ends official hat chair is mostly made of high-quality woods such as huanghuali (rosewood). Huanghuali wood is hard and has beautiful grain patterns, adding unique artistic charm to the furniture. At the same time, it employs exquisite mortise-and-tenon joinery, a craftsmanship that does not require a single nail. Instead, it relies solely on the clever combination of tenons and mortises to ensure a stable and durable furniture structure. This joinery not only reflects the superb skills of ancient craftsmen but also showcases the profoundness of traditional Chinese furniture culture.

Cultural Symbolism and User Groups

The term 'four protruding ends' is a homophone for 'official advancement', using the four-protruding-ends structure to symbolize 'a bright official career and outstanding achievements'. During the Song Dynasty, it was believed that the four-protruding-ends official hat chair ranked higher in hierarchy than common chair types except for the throne chair (folding chairs were not commonly used). It was mostly used as a special seat for high-ranking officials and was deeply loved by literati and scholars. This reflects the importance attached to official careers and the yearning for a better life in society at that time.

Development History

The prototype of the four-protruding-ends official hat chair can be seen in the armchair unearthed from the tomb of Yan Deyuan in the Jin Dynasty. It developed into a mature style during the Ming Dynasty. After the Ming Dynasty, it also gave rise to the southern official hat chair, which reduced the number of protruding ends and adopted a pipe-bowl-shaped tenon joint. These two types constitute the main branches of Ming-style chair furniture. The four-protruding-ends official hat chair is mainly characterized by straight lines, while the southern official hat chair emphasizes curves and decorations. During the Ming and Qing dynasties, the four-protruding-ends official hat chair became popular due to royal favor and became a representative piece of furniture for hall decorations.