Chin-Hua Armchair
Decorative Art / Furniture (Armchair) • Raymond Sobota for Century Furniture
Style & Movement
Asian Modern / Hollywood Regency / Chinoiserie Revival
Medium & Technique
Lacquered or stained maple wood with inset hand-woven cane (rattan) seat; machine-turned spindles and mortise-and-tenon construction.
Creation Period
Late 20th Century (Circa 1970s–1980s)
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 42-44" H x 22-24" W x 19" D; Vertical orientation, armrest format.
Subject Description
High-back armchair featuring a 'Splatted Back' design with a carved ruyi or stylized lotus medallion at the top. The form is a modern reinterpretation of Ming Dynasty yoke-back chairs, characterized by sweeping, continuous-line armrests and a pale honey-blonde finish.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Fair to Good; visible wear to the wood finish and typical aging of the cane inset.
Estimated Market Value
$150 - $400 USD
Auction Estimate
$100 - $250 USD
Provenance History
Likely purchased from a high-end furniture retailer or department store in North America during the late 20th century; common in mid-to-high-tier residential interiors of the era.
Art Historical Significance
A representative example of the 'Chin-Hua' collection by Raymond Sobota, which was instrumental in popularizing Asian-inspired modernism in American suburban homes during the 1970s and 80s. It reflects the post-war trend of blending traditional Eastern aesthetics with Western manufacturing.
Notable Features
The carved 'ruyi' (cloud/scepter) motif on the splat is a classic Chinese symbol of luck and longevity; the design utilizes 'bentwood' style curves for the armrests and supports.
Condition Issues
Scuffing on the armrests, minor finish loss on the crest rail, potential drying or brittle fibers in the cane seat, and light surface dirt.
Conservation Recommendations
Gentle cleaning with wood soap, application of paste wax to protect remaining lacquer, and avoiding direct sunlight to prevent further fading of the blonde finish. Check cane tension for signs of splitting.