Antique Japanese Kyokuroku "曲録" Red-Lacquered Folding Armchair, Meiji era, 1868-1911 | SKU: 26J-0519

Antique Japanese Red-Lacquered Folding Armchair (Kyokuroku), Meiji era, 1868-1911 | SKU: 26J-0519

A rare red-lacquered folding armchair with gilt-carved back splat and horseshoe rail -- monumental in presence and singular in craft.

A Kyokuroku is a folding armchair of East Asian origin with a history stretching back over a thousand years, prized for its combination of portability and ceremonial dignity. This striking example, dating to the Meiji era (1868-1911), features the chair's most iconic element -- a continuous horseshoe-shaped rail that sweeps from armrest to armrest in a single fluid arc, terminating in bold scroll-knob finials. The entire frame is finished in a deep vermilion lacquer, now richly crazed and worn in a manner that only deepens its antique character. The back splat is the true showpiece: a series of carved and gilt panels display a dense geometric star-flower pattern on the central field, framed above by a shaped cartouche bearing a carved ruyi cloud motif -- all rendered in warm gold against the red ground. Cast metal fittings at the joints, seat rails, and foot corners reinforce every stress point, attesting to a construction built for both transport and lasting use. The X-frame folding base and flat foot stretcher complete the form in a design that has remained essentially unchanged for centuries.

Today this chair commands attention as a standalone sculptural piece in any interior. Placed in a living room corner or beside a writing desk, it functions as a dramatic accent chair that anchors an eclectic or maximalist space with instant authority. Interior designers working in chinoiserie, Asian fusion, or bold antique-inspired schemes will find it an ideal anchor for a curated vignette -- paired with a low side table or displayed against a neutral wall where the red-and-gold palette can breathe. It makes an exceptional gift for collectors of Asian antique furniture, for Japanophiles, or for anyone who appreciates objects at the intersection of art and function. The seat straps are currently exposed and a cushion or textile seat pad would restore full sitting comfort, making this as practical as it is beautiful.

• Origin: East Asia -- likely Japanese Meiji-era production in the Chinese taste, or a period Chinese-style example traded through Japan
• Era: 1868-1911 (Meiji)
• Material: Hardwood frame with red lacquer finish; gilt-carved back splat panels; cast metal joint fittings and foot caps
• Use: Ceremonial or formal seating; portable folding chair for official or distinguished use
• Modern Use: Statement accent chair for living room or study; decorative display piece for eclectic or chinoiserie interiors; housewarming gift for collectors of Asian antique furniture
• Features: Continuous horseshoe-shaped arm-and-back rail with scroll-knob terminals; gilt back splat with carved ruyi cloud cartouche and star-flower geometric field; X-frame folding base with flat foot stretcher; cast metal fittings throughout; aged lacquer crazing consistent with antique use; seat currently fitted with cross-strap support -- original seat surface absent or replaced
• Dimensions: 32 1/2"W x 22"D x 40 1/2"H
• Condition: Good antique condition -- lacquer shows authentic age crazing and wear with losses consistent with over a century of use; gilt panels retain strong visual presence; structure appears solid; seat surface requires a cushion or replacement panel for full sitting use

A commanding piece of antique Asian furniture -- its red lacquer and gold splat make it one of the most visually arresting statement chairs a collector could bring into a modern home.

We use professional studio lighting to highlight the natural character of the wood. As a result, the tone may appear slightly warmer than under natural daylight.

All antique items are sold as-is. Each piece may exhibit signs of age, including scratches, wear, or minor imperfections. These are not considered defects but natural evidence of the item’s authenticity and age.