Set of Antique Southern Official Style Elm Armchairs

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This lovely pair of chairs come from Shanxi and were made in the mid 19th century in the 'Southern Official' … Read more This lovely pair of chairs come from Shanxi and were made in the mid 19th century in the 'Southern Official' style - a design that came later on in China's history. The main development was that the top rail fits directly to the back-bending stiles that form the chairs' rear legs, rather than extending over them as they do in 'Yoke-Back' (or 'Official's Hat') chairs.

The original lacquer finish has worn away on this pair, leaving the pale, beautifully grained character of the elm wood to shine through. Perfectly constructed with accurate mortise and tenons joints, subtly curved stiles and side posts and shallow C shaped backrests, the chairs have a delightful balanced look about them.

Each backrest has a centrally positioned, decorative, circular motif of a scrolling dragon in carved relief adding charm and personality to these wonderful chairs.

Sold as a pair; the price shown is for the two chairs. See less