TaishiChair.glb

Chinese Grand Tutor Chair (Taishi Chair) The Taishi Chair is the only piece of traditional Chinese furniture named after an official government title. Originating during the Northern Song Dynasty, it was initially a folding chair with a distinctive headrest support. Over time, it evolved into the large, dignified armchairs of the Ming and Qing dynasties, becoming a symbol of authority, status, and prestige. Origin Story: According to Gui Er Ji (《贵耳集》) by Zhang Duanyi of the Song Dynasty, Qin Hui, who once held the high-ranking title of Grand Tutor (Taishi), often leaned back while sitting in a folding chair, causing his headwear to slip off. To please him, one of his subordinates, Wu Yuan, instructed craftsmen to add a lotus-leaf-shaped headrest to the chair's back rail. This support functioned much like a modern headrest, helping to hold the head comfortably in place. The design became known as the "Grand Tutor Style" (Taishi Style) and eventually gave rise to the name Taishi Chair. Symbolic Meaning: The title "Taishi" (Grand Tutor) was one of the highest-ranking positions in ancient China. Naming a piece of furniture after such an office reflects its association with noble status and privilege. From its earliest days, the Taishi Chair was intended for people of high rank, and it came to symbolize social standing, authority, honor, and dignity.