Objective Most studies on the modeling of armchairs in the Qing Dynasty are based on subjective visual perception. In order to objectively evaluate the modeling differences of Qing Dynasty armchairs in Beijing area and the Jiangnan area (southern area of the Yangtze River), scientific quantitative data were used to replace subjective evaluation to conduct morphological quantification of the modeling of Qing Dynasty armchairs.

Method This study firstly selected 14 representative samples of armchairs in the Beijing area and the Jiangnan area, and mainly conducted a comparative study on the relevant parameters (similar proportion degree, arc length ratio and flatness degree) of the contour curve of their backrest frames.

Result The similarity proportion degree and flatness degree of armchairs from the Qing Dynasty in the Beijing area were greater than those in the Jiangnan area, while the arc length ratio was smaller than that in the Jiangnan area. Therefore, the armchairs from the Qing Dynasty in the Beijing area were more stable, solemn, dignified, while those from the Qing Dynasty in the Jiangnan area were more lively, lightweight, agile and versatile, with strong affinity. It was consistent with the cultural environment and artistic aesthetic differences between the two regions.

Conclusion The quantitative parameters of modeling form of the armchairs in the Qing Dynasty show obvious differences due to regional differences. A preliminary study was conducted on the quantitative analysis of external contour lines. In the future, we will continue to explore other aspects of quantification to broaden the application scope of scientific quantitative data to replace subjective evaluation.