Pair of Chinese armchair, Late 18th century, Qing Dynasty

Pair of Chinese armchairs, so-called "chairs of dignitaries" , from the end of the eighteenth century, Qing dynasty. They're made of elm wood. The high crosser of the backish is in the shape of "literate hat" , and the accotoirs end in the shape of a "snake head". The dossies are richly sculpted, and judging by the symmetry of the sculpture of the "dogs of fô" in their center, one can quite estimate that they were designed as a real ensemble, and not two identical pieces used to form a pair. Beautiful patina of use, but it is however worth noting (see photos) , that the ends of the accotoir of one of the two chairs, have been restored, and that on the second there is a slight lack on the lower part of the back.