This round-backed chair is the result of repeated measurements of original artifacts from the Forbidden City and has undergone multiple modifications. Based on this foundation, it incorporates traditional copper-core filigree enamel craftsmanship to recreate the past glory. The chair frame features smooth multiple concentric curves that gradually taper towards the sides, creating subtle variations. The front ends of the armrests curl into beads, while the gaps are adorned with elegant carved scrolls. The back panel is divided into three sections, with the upper part intricately carved with openwork scrolls and exquisite craftsmanship. The middle section is inlaid with copper-core enamel, displaying colorful and vibrant flowers. The lower part features cloud patterns and carved flower-like ornaments on each corner. The seat is fitted with a heart-shaped panel, and the edges are neatly and crisply finished with a decorative line. The four legs are connected with shoulder joints and a waistband, extending up to the edge of the seat. The curved legs are full and robust, with the inwardly turned hooves adorned with carved angle-like teeth, resting on mud supports. The rounded ends of the armrests of the circular chair slightly turn outward, resembling open arms and exuding an embracing and inclusive atmosphere. It is a successful example of the perfect combination of Ming-style simplicity and Qing-style elegance and grandeur.

The armchair is made of rosewood. Both the armrest and the connecting bar have a certain curvature. The back of the chair is intricately carved with swirling cloud patterns. On the front upper part, there is an inlaid yellow rosewood panel featuring carved chimes and tassel motifs. In the center, there is a groove with an enamel-inlaid Western floral pattern. On the back, there is a raised relief of a Western-style pearl flower in the center. The connecting bar and the inner frame of the armrest are filled with intricate Western-style floral motifs and dental strips. The seat is low with a waistband, and there are cheek supports on the dental board. Between the legs, there are foot guards, and the inner legs are inlaid with ornamental door dental strips. The components of this chair are intricately decorated. Looking at the proportions of the different parts of the chair, the width of the seat is greater than its height, and its vertical dimension is almost equal to its height, giving a sense of stability and grandeur.

The drum-shaped stool is meticulously crafted from precious rosewood, based on the collection from the Forbidden City. With the guidance and assistance of experts from the Forbidden City, it took three years and five iterations to achieve the final result.

This drum-shaped stool strictly follows the replication of the original artifact from the Forbidden City, maintaining the elegant and slender profile of early Qing dynasty drum-shaped stools. The surface is divided into five sections with string patterns, adorned with drum nails, lotus petals, and bats. Particularly remarkable is the top surface of the drum-shaped stool, the spaces between the string patterns, and the middle section, which are all adorned with traditional craftsmanship - copper-core filigree enamel inlay. The enamel displays exquisite and elaborate patterns of Western lotus flowers and mythical dragons, with vibrant and splendid colors, showcasing the opulence and grandeur of ancient court furniture in a magnificent and fantastical manner.

︎ Featured in the 2019 Beijing Poly Spring Auction

︎Enamel-inlaid Western Lotus Round Drum-shape Stool
︎︎ USD 27,000 / Dalbergia cochinchinensis Pierre
︎︎ USD 98,000 / Pterocarpus santalinus

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