Pair of Shanxi Yoke-Back Chairs spo-notify-me-enabled The lacquer on the top

The lacquer on the top surface is largely still present but shows the marks of many years' use and has worn to a softer tone

which tended to be more ornate than earlier Ming furniture

Note that sizes and styles vary slightly as each stool is individual

prized personal items such as bronze vessels and vases would be depicted to suggest the rank and status of the owner

Pair of Shanxi Yoke-Back Chairs spo-notify-me-enabled The lacquer on the topShanxi, circa 1900 These elegant chairs are from Shanxi province in central China, and are a great example of the classic 'yoke back' or 'official's hat' design that developed very early on in China's history and which is still seen today. The name comes from the shaped headrest, which resembles both a yoke and the hats worn by court mandarins. The original black lacquer finish on this pair is still largely intact, with just heavy wear on the