As implied by its short duration, the Northern Qi Dynasty was a turbulent time in the vast history of China. Locusts plagued the lands, ruining the crops. Hunger and ethnic feuding ravaged the population. This set of two officials is a memorial to the only individual that could secure peace and prosperity in such chaotic times. Clearly, none of the turmoil is exhibited in these calm, refined representations of officials meant to accompany and serve their lord throughout all the eternity.

The low- relief carving style and almost complete disregard for the shape of the body under the garments is characteristic of the Northern Qi period. Unlike the subsequent Sui style, sculptors during Northern Dynasties period were less interested in rendering the three- dimensional physical side of a deity figure than in capturing its spiritual message through delicate facial features and gestures.