Pair of Wenyi Armchairs 37.25h x 22w x 16.75d This is a pair of Wenyi (scholar) armchairs. The crestrail does not have any protruding ends, but the arms do. This pair is considered a bit unusual as the supporting stiles under the arms are not a continuous part of the front legs. In fact, the front supporting stiles under the arms are recessed and independent of the front legs. The carving on the back splat is a playing dragon (chi-dragon). The front aprons are cusped and decorated with an archaic design called the “Kumen” and trailing plants. This design is seen in a lot of the archaic architecture in the North. Wood: Nanmu Origin: Shanxi Period: 19th C