Antique Chinese Children's Chairs

A pair of children's chairs likely from northern China, made from hardwood — presumably elm (Yumu) — and modelled on the form of the traditional Official's Hat Chair, scaled down with care rather than abbreviation. The characteristic yoke-back profile is fully present, as is the carved circular medallion set into each back splat. The seats are constructed with an inserted panel within a frame-and-filling structure, and the joints throughout are traditional slot-and-peg connections secured with wooden dowels — no nails, no adhesive. An ink inscription in Chinese characters (Huizi) is written on the underside of each chair, likely an ownership or workshop mark. The wood has aged to a deep, reddish-brown tone with an uneven surface that records years of use without apology. Sold as a pair.