I believe its oak with what appears to be a swastika design near the head rest with a depiction of a dear in the trees below. The top seems representative of an ox horn while tiny spirals adorn the base of the seat
I know nothing about their origin
Hi Tyler,
Thank you for contacting Mearto with your appraisal inquiry.
These are Chinese "official's hat" chairs, so named for the shape of the back which has a similar shape to the hats worn by officials in the Qing dynasty. The swastika you see in the back is an ancient religious icon in the cultures of Eurasia. It is used as a symbol of divinity and spirituality in Indian religions, including Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism. It only came to have negative connotations after Hitler and the Nazi's pre-empted it before WWII.
If you'd like for your appraisal to include dimensions, which is customary, please forward in the comments section - at your convenience - the height, width and depth and I'll update this ASAP.
Based on the photos and information provided, and subject to examination, this is:
A pair of Chinese lacquered carved hardwood "official's hat" arm chairs
probably 19th Century
Each with "official's hat" shaped crest over a splat topped with a pierced swastika medallion over a pierced panel depicting a deer in a forest, the shaped outcurving arms over a paneled hardwood seat, raised on four rounded legs joined by a box stretcher.
(DIMENSIONS)
CONDITION: wear to lacquer staining
$500-800 for the pair*
*represents a fair-market value for auction purposes; retail or asking price may vary.
Please let us know if you have additional items to appraise, and thank you again for using Mearto.