Antique Shopkeeper's Chair Basket The upper panels are carved

The upper panels are carved through in a similar pattern

often also referred to as 'foo dogs'

It would originally have included just the central doors

The original was painted over hand-laid gold leaf

though more simplistic versions were also made using a single piece of flexible wood such as willow and remains one of the most recognisable of Chinese designs

Antique Shopkeeper's Chair Basket The upper panels are carvedAnhui, circa 1860 This ornate, beautifully carved chair would have been used originally by a shop owner, placed outside the shop for seating and with cash held in the secure storage space below the removable seat. It originates from the city of Hefei in Anhui province and is made from beech wood. While the key for the bottom section has long since been lost, the seat can still be easily removed to access the interior. The chair's heavy, ornate style