Horseshoe Armchair, Warm Elm Abacus like our warm elm version

like our warm elm version

are made from jade or other stone

with camphor wood being popular as it acts as a natural insect repellent but elm was also favoured

keys and other everyday items

The screens panels are based on similar original ones that would form the interior windows or doors of a Chinese house

Horseshoe Armchair, Warm Elm Abacus like our warm elm versionThis version of our horseshoe armchair is in our 'warm' finish, chairs like this one were symbols of status in Ming dynasty China. Known also in Chinese as 'Grand Tutor Chairs' (taishi yi), they were used initially at court and by high ranking officials. They later became more common but were still reserved for the most important visitors members of a household. One of the most recognisable of Chinese designs, the chairs feature a beautifully curved