Oriental Chair

I was hoping I could also get some information on this chair. How old and is it Chinese or Japanese? I will say its the most uncomfortable chair ever made, the seat is wide and totally flat, and when you lean back it does not feel good at all. Not sure if it was even meant to be used as a chair lol. Also wondering if the holes going through the the arm rests have a purpose? Thanks. Rodney

 

I own a similar one, have been tracking these at auction for a few years. They are Chinese or Japanese dragon/ bat chairs, some come with inlaid features, dated about turn-of-the century. The arm holes are just stylistic. Going for between $150 and $250 at auction this year, generally.
There seems to be a lot of discrepancy in on-line listings as to age and origin. One listing claims to identify the carver. https://picclick.com/Antique-Tomekichi-Suzuki-Asian-Japanese-Hand-Carved-Dragon-222412977131.html

Past auction results:
https://www.liveauctioneers.com/item/81923583_pair-of-japanese-dragon-arms-chairs
https://www.liveauctioneers.com/item/62153533_japanese-hand-carved-dragon-chair-circa-1910

 

Very good information. Thank You!

 

I believe this chair form has been a popular export or tourist trade item since the late Victorian period. There is a great variety in the design variations and level of carving skill , although the form always follows a basic plan. It appears the majority are Japanese, but I have seen alleged Chinese examples posted. Honestly, I have always struggled with telling the difference in most Asian decorative arts. There are some tutorials posted on how to tell the difference, such as the number of toes a dragon has, but this may be nonsense. We do have some experts on the list. I hope they will stop by.