Everything You Need To Know About Chinese Furniture

By Author: Jane Cooper
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If you are interested in Chinese furniture either as a collector or for the simple purpose of gaining some insight on the subject, stay with me, because everything you need to know about Chinese furniture can be found right here in this article.

Chinese furniture history

Chinese furniture has three distinct lines of design and construction and dates as far back as 1000 BC; the three lines are the frame and panel style, the yoke and rack style and the bamboo style. It should be noted that Chinese home furniture styles evolved independent of western influence but manifested itself in similar forms such as chairs, tables, beds and cabinets. The early pieces were in the form of woven mats with arm rests and accompanied by low tables some unadorned and some intricately carved, with simplicity and minimalism being the key themes. With the advent of Buddhism entering China the mats gave way to raised platform type seating that in turn was modified to accommodate reclining and so the bed and daybed were born.

The progression of Chinese furniture

It was during the reign of the Tang dynasty that higher seats ...
... first started appearing among the Chinese elite and this soon spread to all other levels of society. With the elevated seating came the need for other types of furniture, including benches, long rectangular tables and folding screens.

By the time the 12th century came round the Chinese rarely ever sat on the floor anymore and the chair and stool dominated. Over the centuries, furniture design continued to be refined and improved up until the end of the Ming dynasty, China’s golden age of furniture. China had grown in prosperity and with this new found prosperity came an increased demand for fine furniture.

Furniture during this period displayed simple, elegant lines with great aesthetics and quality craftsmanship. The high quality and accuracy levels of the joinery were so good that nails and glue were used only as supplements. Great attention to detail was paid to the hinges, handles and locks to ensure that they complimented the pieces. Furniture in China had taken on a new aspect; functionality was a thing of the past, replaced with the need

The furniture of this time displayed simple, elegant lines, beautiful curves and superb craftsmanship. The quality and accuracy of joinery was so precise that nails and glue were used only as supplements. Metalwork that included handles, hinges and lock plates were designed to complement the pieces. The very purpose of furniture had changed from functional to aesthetic and the Chinese people took great pride in furnishing their homes with simplicity and grace.

Up until the early 19th century furniture continued to be produced for the ruling classes along the same simple, classic lines but gradually a change was seen as the furniture design moved towards heavily ornate carvings.

The common man’s furniture continued to remain in the same simple style, lacquered in reds and blacks. This style continued well into the twentieth century with thousands of pieces still visible throughout China.
About Author:
Jane Cooper writes about Houston modern furniture.