Furniture made of zitan wood was highly appreciated in the Qing dynasty and it reflects the aesthetics value and life style preference of the period. Zitan furniture of the Qing dynasty is more decorative and elaborate than the Ming style of 17th century. The wood is dense and dark in colour, these characteristics provide the perfect material to display the elaborate carving.

Compare to two very similar sets of zitan armchairs and a corner-leg table, previously sold at Christie's New York, 19 September 2007, lots 142 and 143 which may originally have come from the same set.