Chinese Furniture's History

People used to sit or kneel on straw mats on the floor in ancient China. Antique chinese Beds and mats were invented between the years 471 and 221 B.C. Then people began to relocate their daily activities from the ground to a higher level. Straw mats were mostly used on beds and couches after that.

Various furniture designs, not just antique chinese chairs and stools, reached their pinnacle during the Ming and Ching eras. Smooth, flowing lines and beautiful decoration were the motifs of the Ming period. Furniture design under the Ching dynasty became increasingly ornate, with more coordinated etched elements. Most Chinese furniture styles nowadays are greatly inspired by the preceding two periods in history.

Wood has been the primary material used in furniture since its inception. It's not surprising, given China's vast forest resources. Lacquered and hardwood are the two main materials used. In addition, bamboo and rattan furniture are popular in warmer and sunnier climates.

Huganhuali mu (yellow flower pear wood), jichi mu (phoenix tail or chicken wing wood), and zitan mu are the most commonly utilised woods in high-end furniture (dark-purple sandlewood).

Both the Ming and the Ching periods employed Huanghuali mu often. Huanghuali mu is one of the most valuable woods on the planet. It can grow up to 36 metres tall and has a 1 metre diameter. Thailand, Burma, and Vietnam are all known to have this timber. Huanghuali mu and Zitan were as valuable as gold and gems in ancient China. Jichi mu is a type of extremely tough wood. Burma, Thailand, India, and Vietnam are all known to have it. This sort of wood is even rarer than Huganhuali and Zitan combined. Its name comes from the fact that it has a feather-like pattern that resembles that of a bird.

Zitan mu is a very tough rosewood. Because it is so hard and solid, this sort of wood sinks in water. It can be found in the United States, Africa, India, Vietnam, and Burma. It is stated that growing larger than a diameter of 7 inches is quite tough. This is why obtaining large trunks from this tree is quite difficult. It features a yellow-colored tree trunk. However, if the yellow is exposed to enough air, it will turn dark red. It has a pleasant odour and is one of China's medicinal plants. People will receive good medicinal therapy by sitting on a chair constructed of Zitan.

Ancient Chinese furniture has long been considered a treasure by furniture collectors. However, because a fine piece of work was not valued, not much of what was produced in ancient China was saved. People did not value and treasure good pieces of furniture until the Ming and Ching eras. During both times, the majority of furniture was either destroyed locally or looted by Western invaders. In truth, a comparable situation existed until recently in China during the Communist revolution, when communal pandemonium burned cabinets, chests, and chairs for fuel, and any property of quality at the time was deemed a threat to the government.

As a result, a small collection may be found in museums such as the Victoria and Albert Museum in London and the Palace Museum in Beijing, aside from the few objects that managed to escape with their expatriate or diplomatic families to places like Hong Kong or the West.

Indeed, as ancient Chinese furniture gains increasing international recognition for its high quality and value, the price of a genuine item can command as much as the buyer is prepared to pay.

Chinese furniture is gaining international recognition and acclaim as a result of increased global attention and appreciation.

Asia Dragon currently has a wide choice of furniture designs available on our internet and at our store, The Oriental Centre, in Leeds' Headrow Centre. In addition, we offer home furnishings, ornaments, accessories, clothing, kimonos, and other items. You will be amazed if you browse our homepage or come into our business in person.

I am Kevin Taylor. I love writing and reading books.