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antiqued, Asia, asian, chest, China, Chinese, Credenza, dynasties, dynasty, foo, Foo Lions, furniture, Han, lacquer, lions, Ming, paint, painting, Qing, road, route, silk, Tang
Asia is the largest continent and a major contributor to the world’s furniture production. Take a trip with us as we explore Near, Middle, and East Asian countries with imported furniture and accessories from sources such as Silk Route International and MBW Furniture that celebrate global trade and cultural exchange. To discover Asian style and accents, we begin with China.
Wood without carvings and bamboo are hallmarks of Chinese style. Artisans have traditionally favored painting and lacquering, a wood-finishing technique that employs polish and sheen levels from ultra-matte to high gloss. In essence, lacquer is a type of sealing wax. China’s cultural history played a role in its furniture since styles in art, design, architecture, religion, etc. transformed due to changing dynasties.
Antiqued Crackled Chinese Credenza Cabinet
Chinese artwork as early as 1500 BCE depicts woven mats on elevated floors, sometimes with armrests. Low tables and painted furniture were also features of ancient design. Raised platforms gained more popularity with the advent of Buddhism near the 3rd Century. These seats eventually became places for honored guests, and in time, craftspeople made such seating longer for reclining. The reclining seats inspired the creation of daybeds and beds. High tables and folding stools, which transformed into the woven hourglass-shaped stools of today, became popular back then as well.
As early as the 7th Century, The Tang Dynasty saw beginnings of round and yoke-back chairs. During the Northern and Southern Song Dynasties, the elite used all sorts of furniture: chairs, benches, and stools. Two major Chinese furniture developments were recessed legs and waist-high tables. The Ming and Qing Dynasties released previous bans on imports, allowing many new types of construction materials into China from the 14th through the 20th Century. With more exterior trading, the 19th Century was a time of foreign influence for Chinese furniture styles and designs.
Antiqued Ivory “Chinese Village” Shoji Folding Screen
Qing Dynasty’s Design Categories:
Beijing: simple construction developed inspired by Ming Dynasty furniture
Guangzhou: Western influenced style originating in the 19th Century with decorative mounted marble and shellfish shells
Shanghai: characterized by ornate sculpting and sculptured paint
Suzhou: elaborate construction (contrast of Beijing) and decoration inspired by Qing Dynasty furniture