Object Image

“Official’s Cap” Armchair

This chair sported different decorations depending on the day. The owners would have placed a cushion on the chair for comfortable daily use. On special occasions, they would drape colorful, celebratory textile covers over the chair. Carved from solid wood, the top rail of this chair resembles the stiff ribbons on the caps of civil officials - hence the name "official's cap" chair. Their slight curves have a practical function: to suspend a textile panel.

Purchase: William Rockhill Nelson Trust...

17th century
Huanghuali wood
47.5 x 23.0 x 17.5 in
64-4/13 B
Image and text: The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, 2023

Where you'll find this

Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art
Permanent collection