An excellent example of a 19th Century rare Chinese blackwood (Hongmu) side chair with inlaid mother-of-pearl and two inset marble panels. The chair is through tenon construction, the back rest is highly detailed with carved dragons and bats above an owl on the side. The piece is heavy, typical of the wood - Hongmu - black gold as known to the Chinese, and collectable.
The right side of the back support is inset with white chrystalline marble depicting a vase or urn, whilst the other side seems to depict a scholars scroll or tablet with orange veined marble - all surrounded by carefully cut mother of pearl flowers (prunus blossoms/cherry). The stones were chosen for their appeal.
Raised on square section legs, united by stretchers and carved front scrolled apron. This is a very unusual piece - the piece has been newly upholstered with complimentary dark chocolate brown faux ostrich skin. A good wide seat and a good height.
An multi purpose chair that can be used in many areas such as hallways, foyers, corners or living/sitting areas that require an interesting accent chair.
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*Hongmu can be distinguished from other types of rosewoods by its' weight. It is heavy and there's no mistaking this fact.
The wood is Hongmu or Blackwood, superior to regular Rosewood - known to the Chinese as Black Gold or 'Suanzhi'. This appears during the middle Qing period—its literal meaning, 'sourwood' describes the pungent odor emitted when it is worked. Most of the dark heavily carved Qing period furniture is made from Hongmu.
Such pieces are increasingly sought after these days by collectors of such.