This style of chair is also known as a "Southern Official's Hat Chair" (Nan Guan Mao Yi in Chinese), a design which originated during the Ming Dynasty and was traditionally reserved for high-ranking officials. Design: They feature the iconic continuous, semi-circular crest rail and arms that cradle the sitter. The back splats and aprons have intricate carved openwork motifs, which often symbolize good fortune, longevity, or specific historical scenes. Material: The furniture is likely made from a dense, sturdy elmwood. Construction: The pieces are built using traditional Chinese mortise and tenon joinery, a method that uses no nails or glue and allows the wood to expand and contract with humidity changes, which helps the furniture last for centuries. mid 20th Century antique