Zhou Enlai's Office Chairs

Premier Zhou Enlai used two types of office chairs: specially designed medical chairs and ordinary office chairs, both reflecting his simple and hardworking style.

Specially Designed Medical Chairs (1975)

In 1975, as Zhou Enlai's condition worsened and he required prolonged sitting and lying down, he commissioned Ni Zhifu, then director of the Beijing Machinery Industry Bureau, to design an adjustable-back chair. Among the two chairs ultimately produced, one was hand-cranked, allowing the backrest to be lowered and the footrest raised, while the other was wider to accommodate his physical needs. Manufactured by the Beijing Medical Equipment Factory, these chairs featured steel frames with rattan backrests and seats, designed to alleviate fatigue from prolonged sitting and aid in treatment. Zhou Enlai insisted on paying for them himself and used them until his death. This detail not only reflects his integrity and self-discipline but also highlights the pursuit of practicality under the limited medical resources of the time.

Ordinary Office Chairs (Exhibited in Dalian)

The memorial exhibition room titled "Premier Zhou Enlai in Dalian" displays the ordinary office desk and chairs he once used. These chairs were wooden, simple in design, and lacked special features, identical to those used by ordinary cadres of the same period. The exhibits recreate Zhou Enlai's image of diligence and dedication to the people through historical artifacts, further confirming his simple and hardworking lifestyle by choosing ordinary office chairs instead of custom-made ones.

Daily Usage Habits

According to his secretary, Zhou Enlai emphasized order and efficiency in his work: documents and stationery were neatly arranged, and he would straighten his chair and tidy his desk before leaving. Although this habit did not directly relate to the style or function of the office chairs, it reflected his strict requirements for the work environment and his meticulous attitude conveyed through details. Both the special medical chairs and ordinary office chairs were reasonably used by him to serve his work needs.

Zhou Enlai's choice of office chairs, encompassing both functional designs driven by health needs and long-term use of ordinary office furniture, collectively shaped his pragmatic and thrifty image. These historical details provide concrete insights into understanding his charismatic personality.