Dimensions: 42-1/8" H x 48-1/2" W x 35" D Very Rare, Stunning, Chinese Qing Dynasty Period, Zitan dragon throne chair. Antique Chinese Zitan huge and tall throne chair. Gorgeously constructed from a rectangular platform serves as the basis for ornately open-works carved backrest, wide rectangular hard mat, rising both arms panel, with gallery shoes. Delicately fine depicted of five claws imperial dragon soaring amidst flames and vapors, with face and upper right appendage outstretched toward the heavens. Vigorous dragons chasing flaming pearl amidst swirling wind and flames. Ornately lacquered after an imperial with all over decoration of dragons pursuing flaming pearls, the scalloped crest top surmounting the stepped back and arms, over a wide rectangular seat, all raised on lattice legs set into a hoofed stretcher. The surface elaborately carved with detailed dragons motif in deep reliefs chasing a flame pearl within fumes clouds. Encircling the focal carving is scrolling smoke and cloud form. Just below the seat the perimeter is emblazoned with fine chisel work from a master craftsman. This chair stands on four sturdy legs that are braced by three angular beams and a footrest. The symbol of the Emperor has been a dragon since the Han dynasty. The Emperor ruled China from the Dragon Throne at the Imperial capital. The throne faces south and is considered the very center of the civilized world. The number of claws of the dragon's feet is important. The five clawed dragon is reserved for the Emperor and his sons; anyone else found with a depiction of a five clawed dragon could be executed. Princes of the third and fourth rank were allowed four clawed dragons, three claws or less were reserved for the officials at court. Dragon is the symbol of the Emperor, the Son of Heaven, eternity, Yang and Yin, male vigor and fecundity, the Li-shui wave pattern which is known to be the abode of dragons. Zitan is an extremely dense wood which sinks in water. It is a member of the rosewood family and is botanically classified in the Pterocarpus genus. The lumber is blackish-purple in hue, and its fibers are loaded with deep red pigments which have been used for dye throughout the ages. The entirety is encased in amazing relief carving which gives this box a captivating appearance. The Throne chair decorating has been done with impressive fluency and detail. As sacrificial sets are considered quite rare. Excellent craftsmanship is evident in the fine details, giving this piece an unforgettable appearance.