Official Hat Chair - Master Office Chair
The four-protruding-end official hat chair is considered the most suitable official hat chair for the master's seat from ancient times to the present. Meanwhile, some reasonably designed official hat chairs are also suitable for prolonged sitting, making them classic choices for master chairs.
The official hat chair gets its name from its resemblance to the official hats worn by ancient officials. It mainly comes in two types: the southern official hat chair and the four-protruding-end official hat chair. The top rail ends and the front ends of the armrests on both sides of the four-protruding-end official hat chair all protrude outward. This design not only has more visual tension but also aligns with the traditional aesthetic implication of 'standing out from the crowd.' Therefore, it is often placed in the master's seat to signify status. Its structure conforms to ergonomic principles, with the backrest usually featuring an 'S'-shaped curve that fits the natural curvature of the human spine, distributing the pressure during prolonged sitting and making it suitable as the main chair for office work or receiving guests.
The top rail and armrests of the southern official hat chair do not protrude. Its overall lines are more restrained and rounded, with a style leaning towards elegance. Although there are fewer protruding designs, some southern official hat chairs still provide a comfortable sitting experience for prolonged periods by optimizing the backrest inclination and seat height, making them suitable for scenarios that pursue a reserved style.
From a historical perspective, the official hat chair originated during the Wei and Jin dynasties and was widely used in daily life during the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms period. By the Ming Dynasty, it had become a classic representative of Ming-style furniture. Its design combines practicality and artistry, meeting the etiquette requirements of ancient scholars to 'sit upright like a bell' while showcasing the exquisite craftsmanship of traditional mortise-and-tenon joints. Modern research has confirmed that details such as the height of the backrest and the curvature of the armrests of the official hat chair can effectively reduce fatigue from prolonged sitting, which is an important reason why it has become a chair 'suitable for prolonged sitting without fatigue.'
In addition, the official hat chair is a must-have for rosewood enthusiasts and a frequent guest at auctions. Its materials are mostly precious hardwoods such as red sandalwood and huanghuali, combined with traditional carving techniques, offering both collection value and practical functionality. Whether it is the flamboyance of the four-protruding-end style or the reserve of the southern official hat chair, both can meet the positioning requirements for a 'master chair' in different scenarios through the combination of materials and craftsmanship.
