The majorioty of pieces in our store date to the Qing Dynasty. (early mid 17th to early 20th centuries). Older pieces are rare and most usually found in museums and private collections. With a realization of lost treasures, the new Chinese elite are now consciously pursuing the return of Ming pieces to China.
Most of our furniture is made from Elmwood a wood most commonly used in Qing Dynasty; Jumu (southern elm) and Yumu (northern elm) Rarer woods, such as Huang Huali and Zitan, preferred woods of the Ming Dynasty had been cut to extinction and only re-forested in recent decades. Selection of woods is critical as not only are seasoned woods more durable, these mature wood acquire a desirable patinas. The hardwoods of the Ming dynasty dictated a certainly austerity of design while the softer woods of Qing, allowed for easier and more complicated carving with the wide-grained woods being receptive to paint and lacquer finishes. Consequently in this later period, colour began to take on a new significance.
The design of Chinese furniture evolved very slowly. One often sees a carry over from one dynasty to another. Whilst there were main centres of furniture manufacturing, regional differences are subtle and often difficult to recognize.
Rural Chinese houses are marked by simplicity. Rooms tend to be sparsely furnished and most items strictly functional. The Kang (a raised platform made of brick or stamped earth which housed a fire-pit or stove) was usually a housed in a central room. This formed the social centre of the home and Kang furniture (low tables and stools) was specifically designed for this area.
Tibetan and Mongolian furniture has more recently become desirable, although quality pieces are scarce. They have a highly decorative quality and vary from muted to brightly coloured palettes.
What makes this furniture so desirable is the ease with which it can be adapted for living in the 21st Century.