Provincial Crescent Stool

This petite 19th-century stool from China's Hebei province charms with its small scale and balanced simplicity. Crafted with mortise-and-tenon joinery, the stool has a crescent-shaped curved seat supported by four splayed legs with simple stretchers. The stool's low stature and arched top recall the Ming-style headrests used to preserve elaborate hairstyles and support one's neck while sleeping. Whether used as a low seat or displayed as a sculptural object, we love this stool for its weathered texture and rustic asymmetry.