Chinese stools

Two years ago I made some saddle stools which have turned out to be very satisfactory in use.  They are comfortable, sturdy and durable.  It's a classic american design, at least that is what I thought.

The other day, a friend invited me to lunch in the tea room at the Portland Chinese Garden.  When we went to our table, I was surprised to see this:

When the waitress saw me taking a picture of it, she told us that it has been in continuous use for 100 years!!  I believe that it was made in China like almost everything in the garden.  It has 12 through mortises, which probably explains why the curved legs have held up so well.  It has a heavy finish so I can't tell if the legs are steam bent, but I don't think so.

This may be a future project, although I think I will add a curve to the outer edges of the seat, similar to the seats on the ones I made.