The present pair of chairs is notable for the lack of carved decoration on the splat, with most examples carved with a stylized cloud-form medallion, and the equally austere treatment of the apron and long flange brackets. Additionally the flange brackets to either side of the back posts are an unusual feature and one that would have been an effective means to reinforce the vulnerable scarf joint of the wide bending toprail. For a discussion on this design, see Robert Ellsworth, Chinese Furniture, New York, 1970, pp. 86-87, and Wang Shixiang, Connoisseurship of Chinese Furniture, vol. 1, Hong Kong, 1990, pp. 43-45.