\tThe rose chair is characterized by its relatively low height, small size, and angular construction with straight-member back and armrests. The design was likely drawn from the traditional bamboo chair with its continuous frame members bent to ninety-degree angles and lattice-work panels made of smaller-diameter bamboo.<\/p>\n
\tThis chair’s association with the ladies quarters is based primarily on the small size as well as the effeminate term ‘rose chair’ (meiguiyi) for which no pre-20th century evidence exists. Another term ‘scholar’s chair’ (wenyi) is backed by its frequent depiction in scholarly settings in late Ming and early Qing period paintings and woodcuts.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
\tBecause of their low height and straight backs, this chair was also well suited for arrangement against a wall and under window openings. While pleasant to look at, the straight backrest of the rose chair was not intended for relaxation like the ergonomic backrests of other traditional chairs.<\/p>\n