Description: Rose Medallion Garden Seat, China, early 19th century, 18.5" high. Entirely decorated with Famille Rose design of alternating figures of blossoms with butterflies and floral motifs.

History: Barrel-shaped ceramic stools have been a popular decorating accessory, adding luster, color or texture to a space while serving as little side tables or room accents. They come from China, and they were traditionally used in gardens. Believe it or not, barrel, or drum-shaped garden stools have been used in China for at least 1,000 years. They may have evolved out of the Buddhist garden tradition, where natural elements like tree stumps and smooth rocks were used as seats.Traditionally, Chinese homes were built around a courtyard, and with an emphasis on landscape and gardens, so outdoor furniture was essential. By the Song Dynasty (960-1279), these types of stools were used both indoors and outdoors as casual seating. Indoor stools were typically portable and made out of wood, while outdoor furniture, needing to withstand the elements, began to be made out of stone , glazed stoneware or porcelain. The antique stools that are still extant tend to be from the late Ming Dynasty — early 17th century — and later, and they have a range of decoration, including fretwork, relief decoration, and pierced motifs. Although these ceramic drum-shaped stools have been exported to the West for about 300 years, it is only since the mid-20th century that they have gained such currency in American interiors and exteriors.

Provenance: Helen & Dr. Roland Kohen, Miami, FL

Dimensions: Weight (Pounds & Ounces) = 36 | Height(in) = 18.5 | Width(in) = 12 | Depth(in) = 12

Size of Artwork(in): 18.5 x 12 x 12"

Artist Name: China

Medium: Stonewear.

Circa: Circa 1830

Some minor wear to gilding, overall, piece is in very good shape.