Pair of Elm Southern Official Chairs w145 each beautifully decorated with traditional

each beautifully decorated with traditional paintings of flower vases and scholarly possessions against a cream background

They are made from bone horsehair bristles

The butterfly is a symbol of happiness in a marriage for the Chinese and as such is often seen on painted Chinese cabinets and chests that were made to be given as part of a wedding settlement

The elegant 'horse hoof' feet and S-shape supporting braces (known in Chinese as 'bawangcheng') are typical features of furniture from China's Ming dynasty but the table's timeless style makes it the perfect stage for vases

the beautiful grain of the material is still visible and its simple style means that it looks at home in even the most modern setting

Pair of Elm Southern Official Chairs w145 each beautifully decorated with traditionalShanxi, circa 1880 These stylish, elegant armchairs are in a 'Southern Official' style, with the arms continuing down to meet the seat on curved posts rather than extending out. The design is quite pure, with simple lines and perfect proportions. Along with the curved, narrow arm posts, the backrests are subtly curved for comfort and are each decorated with a circular long life symbol in carved relief. The original black lacquer finish is largely