Chair for the imperial court

This chair is of a type found inside Qing imperial palaces. It was either commissioned by a Qing emperor, some of whom were renowned art collectors and connoisseurs, or presented as a gift to the emperor by a regional governor.

In making luxurious furniture for the court, design and execution—not function—were the primary concerns. The carving in this chair is unusually deep and intricate, rendering it uncomfortable to sit in. All the solid panels of this chair are carved with figures set in landscapes, depicting a grand celebration in a fantastical paradise hosted by the Queen Mother of the West, the Daoist goddess of longevity. Guests come from all over the realm, either on boats, riding on magical beasts, or descending on clouds. They present the goddess with precious peaches, wine, and treasures. When sitting on such a chair, the sitter would be blessed with its immortal energy.