China, circa 1910.

Carved rosewood.

A finely carved Chinese hardwood armchair of late Qing dynasty date, executed in rosewood. The chair features an openwork back carved in high relief with a lively scene of two monkeys climbing among grapevines laden with fruit, the composition framed by scrolling foliage and pierced branches. The arms are supported by boldly carved animal-mask uprights, integrating ornament directly into the structural framework.

The solid plank seat is set above a deeply carved and pierced apron decorated with scrolling vegetal motifs, raised on cabriole-form legs terminating in rounded feet. The entire surface retains a rich, naturally developed patina, with soft wear to projecting elements consistent with age and use.

The imagery of monkeys and grapes forms an auspicious symbol in Chinese culture, meaning advancement in rank, fertility, and abundance. Chairs of this type were intended for formal interiors and ceremonial use, serving both as functional seating and as expressions of status and cultural aspiration.

This armchair exemplifies the late Qing preference for richly symbolic, sculpturally carved furniture produced in southern Chinese workshops during the final decades of the imperial period.