Courtyard Door Bench

This grand cypress bench once provided versatile seating in the courtyard of a Qing-dynasty home. Not only was the sizable bench able to seat many guests during outdoor ceremonies, its imposing form could be used to barricade the home's tall courtyard doors. The bench bears traces of the original painted surface, softened by a rich patina for timeless rustic appeal. With clean lines and simple splayed legs, the bench's angular form feels surprisingly contemporary and fits effortlessly into modern interiors.