Pair of Decorative Southern Official Chairs finish-glaze Used originally as general serving

Used originally as general serving bowls for food

It was the duty of the family to honour and commemorate their ancestors

These lovely old hexagonal shaped wooden trays all differ slightly in terms of the colours and the decorative paintings on the inside

The drawers are dovetailed and fitted with brass handles

Three drawers above the doors provide additional handy storage space and there is a removable shelf inside

Pair of Decorative Southern Official Chairs finish-glaze Used originally as general servingShanxi, circa 1860 These unusual chairs, with a straight, rounded top rail and decorative carved apron, are from Shanxi province in central China, made from elm. The turned central posts supporting the arms are a detail rarely seen in Chinese furniture and are in contrast with the plain, curved back rest. The relief carvings on the panel below the seat show a geometrical, scrolling pattern, while the lower apron and spandrels around the four sides of