HUANGHUALI SQUARE MEDITATION STOOL, CHANDENG

HUANGHUALI SQUARE MEDITATION STOOL, CHANDENG

A rare and masterfully crafted huanghuali square meditation stool, Chandeng, dating from circa 1800, epitomises elegant simplicity and enduring craftsmanship in Qing dynasty Chinese furniture. This distinctive piece combines classic period form with subtle design refinements, making it an exceptional addition to any collection of antique low tables or historical folding chairs and stools.

Origin: China
Date: Circa 1800
Material: Huanghuali wood, caned seat

Dimensions: Height: 51 cm (20 ins); Width: 76 cm (30 ins); Depth: 76 cm (30 ins)

Condition: Warm, light golden brown patina; original crazed and flaking lacquer below the seat; underfoot dry rot; caned seat expected to have been redone periodically.

Meditation stools of this scale and quality, particularly in huanghuali, are exceedingly rare, seldom appearing at leading auction houses such as Christie’s or Sotheby’s in recent decades. The form draws clear comparisons with notable 17th century examples in distinguished collections, such as the Marcus Flacks family collection, yet this stool’s understated luxury and robust proportions suggest a late classic period origin, just before or during the early Qianlong period. Its slightly tapered silhouette and balanced construction echo the refined restraint admired in Ming and early Qing design, linking it to masterpieces held in prominent museums and private collections.

Notable Features:

• Exceptional craftsmanship: The stool features a soft caned seat set within a substantial square frame, gently curved at the edges, above an elegantly narrow waist.
• Refined joinery: The shaped aprons, plain-edged, connect seamlessly to boldly proportioned square legs, distinguished by humpbacked stretchers and softly curved stiles.
• Elegant details: Legs terminate in finely formed hoof feet, showcasing the artisan’s attention to both strength and grace.
• Design significance: The simple, generous proportions and slightly austere profile exemplify the classical Chinese approach to meditative furnishings, prioritising steadiness, comfort, and aesthetic harmony.
• Collecting value: Large square huanghuali meditation stools are true rarities. Few examples appear on the Global Chinese Art Auction Market, attesting to their desirability and provenance.
• Practical function: This stool is ideal for display or as a focal point in collections dedicated to antique Chinese furniture or caned seats, and it retains its steadiness and poise for contemplative use.

This huanghuali square meditation stool is both a testament to the refined artistry of Qing furniture and an elusive gem for collectors seeking rare, period-authentic low tables or folding stools. Its understated presence and distinguished form ensure it will remain a centrepiece in any discerning interior or serious collection.