A huanghuali 'meditation' stoolQing DynastyOf mitered, mortise and tenon frame construction with a beaded edge, the frame enclosing a mat seat, above a narrow waist and simple apron, all supported on legs of square section joined by humpback stretchers and terminating in hoof feet. 63.5cm (25in) square x 34.5cm (13 1/2in) high.注脚清 黃花梨羅鍋棖加矮老禪凳Stools of this design were meant to allow the sitter to sit cross-legged in meditation, represent one of the most reproduced forms in Chinese furniture. Wang Shixiang in Connoissuership of Chinese Furniture: Ming and Early Qing Dynasties, vol.1, Hong Kong, 1990, p.174, notes that soft-cane seats are not only ergonomic, adjusting subtly to the changing movements and weight shifts of the sitting human form, they also allow air flow; hence they were favoured in the areas of Suzhou and Guangzhou from the Ming dynasty onwards. See for example, a related huanghuali stool, late 16th/early 17th century, illustrated by Grace Wu Bruce, Living with Ming: The Lu Ming Shi Collection, 2000, p.70, no.9.Compare with a related huanghuali meditation stool, 17th century, illustrated by S.Handler, Austere Luminosity of Classical Chinese Furniture, Berkeley, 2001,