There is a culture of sitting in China. It can be found in the chaotic metropolises and rustic villages across the country
     Everywhere you turn, someone is sitting on a low makeshift perch, whether it be a wooden stool or bench, piles of bricks or a discarded stuffed armchair Today, the lowly stool is a sign of poverty, unemployment or sheer boredom Although most examples fall into the category of vernacular furniture, even the most commonplace examples have a sculptural beauty that transcends their humble roots (Figs 149, 150)
     However degraded today, the stool was not always the inferior cousin of the chair. Stools made of hardwood and lacquer were always found in the homes of the upper classes. The stool is the perfect interior accessory—easy to move wound and as comfortable in a formal reception hall as it is in a lady's chamber. For informal occasions, stools would be pulled up to square tables at mealtimes, as shown in woodblock prints (see Figs 9, 10, page 15) When comfort and warmth were needed, stools could be covered with cushions or textiles They could be carried outside to the courtyard or garden, used as tables or stands for objects, or even employed as stepladders.
     The original stool known as file barbarian bed--is thought to have originated in the second century. Only the top commanders, directing troops in battle, were allowed to use it Conceived for military use, this functional seat was later adapted by peddlers and the leisure class alike The stool showcases the economy of material, clarity of construction and convenience that epitomizes classic Chinese furniture. There are few surviving examples of the folding stool; however, one fine example was sold by Christie's in the Robert Piccus Collation (1992) Rather than the typical woven seat found , in stools (Figs. 153, 154), this one has wooden slats, which possibly suggests that in addition to being used as a traveling seat, it doubled as a horse mount.