Pair of Decorative Southern Official Chairs finish-glaze It was the duty of

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

and would perhaps have been used once to store the possessions of an important member of Chinese society

Used originally as general serving bowls for food

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 It was the duty ofShanxi, 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