Purple sandalwood inlaid with kylin and phoenix, four-cornered official hat chair

Material: Purple sandalwood (scientific name: East African blackwood)
Specifications: Chair: Length: 62cm, Width: 49cm, Dimensions: 110cm
Coffee table: Length: 38cm, Width: 46cm, Total width: 74cm
This chair is a redesigned version of one from the collection of the renowned antique collector Eskenazi in Japan. The original was a huanghuali (Chinese rosewood) official's hat chair with a phoenix and unicorn motif, included in the "China Guardian 20th Anniversary Fine Art Catalogue." This chair shares the same structure and shape as the traditional Suzhou-style official's hat chair with a phoenix and unicorn motif, but is far more luxurious and exquisite. The backrest is divided into three sections, each inlaid with various gemstones using a lively and lifelike hand-set technique. The upper section is inlaid with a phoenix facing the sun and a unicorn motif in the center, creating a harmonious and natural effect. The unicorn's feet resting on numerous treasures on the upper section echo the concept of a round heaven and a square earth. The lower section features a raised foot and an inlaid dragon looking back, seemingly recounting a legendary tale.
The most striking feature of this chair is the finial between the armrests, shaped like a vase with bamboo-like carvings symbolizing peace and good fortune. The seat features a centrally located ice-plate along the ridgeline, flanked by curved sections, a classic Suzhou design known as the "civil and military lines." With its continuous front and back support, meticulously selected materials, and high-standard craftsmanship, this chair is truly a treasure to be collected and passed down through generations.