Pair of Elm Southern Official Chairs material-marble all contrasting against the reddish

all contrasting against the reddish brown lacquer

decorated with a floral design

rich and spicy fragrance

The cabinet tapers upwards to meet the curved apron at either end of the top surface

Pair of Elm Southern Official Chairs material-marble all contrasting against the reddishShanxi, circa 1860 These handsome, dark wood chairs are from Shanxi province in a style referred to as 'Southern Official' chairs. The subtly curved 'S' shaped backrests feature a circular motif in relief carving with a 'f' character meaning 'rich' or 'wealthy' a symbol believed to bring prosperity to the owner of the chairs. Each chair also has scrolling dragons in relief carving at the corner of the headrail and side posts, which suggest they were