Pair of chairs

Blackwood (also known as suanzhi) is a hardwood that was widely used in southern Chinese furniture in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Chairs inlaid with mother-of-pearl or inset with marble were especially favoured by merchant families. Such pieces were often placed in the inner parlours of Peranakan or Straits Chinese homes and were typically used by women. They may have served as side chairs, dining chairs, or as part of a quarter set.The peach-shaped centre on the chair backs represents longevity in Chinese art, while the Queen Anne–style splats and curved cabriole legs reflect European influence.