Posted 10 years ago
trashtramp
(1 item)
I bought these two Chinese stools at auction a few months ago but have struggled to find out much about them. They appear to have been left out in the weather for some time as no evidence of their original finish remains. I have made many enquiries and searches but can not find any other examples of the same motifs and turned elements. They are of typical Chinese construction with what I would call Mortise and Tenon joints (some quite complex), arched stretchers, hoof feet and inset panels in the seat. There are a couple of what appear to be original wooden dowels used in some joints. Many of the joints are quite unstable at the moment but I don't want to do anything to them until I know more about the stools.
I purchased them close to an area where many Chinese tin miners worked during the late 1800's, so I suspect they were brought here by them.
Any information would be very much appreciated.
Forgive my saying so but I believe you are looking at the original finish. It was just neglected. Based on the pictures I would say this is aged and weathered teak wood. The over cuts and what shows of the joinery would indicate it is not original. The over cut saw kerf's are way to wide to have been made by a pull saw. My 2 cents.
Interesting comment Mayb. Go back and look again. Plenty of joints showing. Look for uniformity as well as construction techniques. As far as you went I would pretty much agree. Now take it to another level. I would agree better pic's would be nice but work with what you have. There mayb hope for you yet. (pun intended)
Similar, very similar to mine:
http://www.collectorsweekly.com/stories/96883-chinese-chair
I like these, very nice find.
What you like to see pictures of to help fhrjr2 and MayBhere? My understanding is that Teak was rarely used in Chinese furniture, so believe this to be the more common Elm. I will have to get them out and make some measurements as they are actually smaller than they may appear in the images, which may influence your assessment of the evidence of the saw size.
Thank you for the link to your chair BHock45, that is the closest I have seen in design yet. Are you able to provide any more information on region, era etc?
It's elm for sure. I don't think it had any 'finish' when they were made, otherwise you would had found some residuals. It's probably made in Canton or Kwangtung or Guangdong provence.