Xuantong Partner Bench

Designed with the rustic charm of everyday stools, this provincial bench from China's Henan province has an unusual past. Faded characters painted down one of the legs dates the bench to the 3rd year, 6th month, and 9th day of the Xuantong Emperor - or rather, June 9th, 1911. The bench was crafted during one of the final years of the Qing dynasty, just months before the 1911 Revolution that saw the end of China's imperial dynasties. Still in remarkably good condition, the bench has persevered through a century of tumultuous change before arriving in Chicago to become a part of our collection.