Chinese furniture-The Core of Chinese Furniture

It is a wonderful experience to come across beautiful pieces of Chinese furniture intricately carved wooden screens, exquisite lamps, quaint chairs, lovely cabinets, and more recently while roaming on world wide web. Such was the effect that it made me Wright something about it

The Core of Chinese Furniture

The variety of wood Chinese use in their furniture is amazing. So as not to put the reader in a tizzy, here is a brief idea.

The most commonly used wood utilized in creating a furniture piece is sourced from elm trees. This yellowish-brownish color wood is durable and moderately hard; hence its high rating on the popularity charts of furniture manufacturers . There are two main varieties: Yumu or Northern Elm and Jumu or Southern Elm. The latter, in turn, comes in 3 hues: yellow, red, and reddish-brown (or blood) colors .

Want a piece for storage purposes Find one made from cedar or camphor they have the ability to stand up strongly against pesky moths .

Your home needs a new door Buy one made from wood sourced from fir tress . This wood does not decay easily. Also, due to its softness, nails can be hammered in easily, carvings can be etched, and varnishing is quick.

Looking for a touch of gold The strong wood of walnut trees is generally golden-brown in color and tends to emit a lovely fragrance . What is known as Manchurian Walnut is what is generally used for making furniture.

Buying a lovely cabinet It will likely be made from ebony, and if it possesses a nearly black hue, you ve got the best piece! If it is of an olive-brown hue, then it is made from Nanmu wood.

Want to work at an elegant desk The lustrous wood, called Hongmu or sometimes redwood, is what you are looking for. Experts advise you to ask at the furniture store the exact meaning of hongmu, as this could include rosewood as well as black wood.

Would you like to gift a piece of jewelry to someone special Give a special touch to it by presenting it in an ornamental sandalwood (zitanmu) box. Its lovely odor and carved patterns will make the recipient extra happy!

If you come across a piece of furniture with a ghost-like pattern of a face, it has been made from wood that is known as Huanghuali.

Chinese Furniture Categories as per the Eras

The absolutely rare pieces of Chinese furniture are those from the late 1300s to the mid-1600s (Ming Dynasty) and after the mid-1600s to the early 1900s (Qing Dynasty). The latter were specially loved for their elaborate designs. However, since furniture from these eras is really really old, they are extremely expensive. In fact, they are tough to locate in the first place! They are generally termed as Classical Furniture.

Furniture styled along those of the above mentioned eras were created in the 1800s. They were made from less expensive wood and it is these that are flooding the furniture market now. They have a kind of rural look to them and are referred to as Vernacular Furniture.

Minguo Furniture originates from the 1912-1949 period.

Important Note: Any piece of Chinese furniture that has celebrated its centurion birthday is legally considered to be an antique. If an individual wishes to send such a piece beyond Chinas boundaries, a special permit, known as the Huo Qi (it is actually a wax stamp) is required. On the other hand, an antique that will be sold within China requires the JenWenJian sticker that will specifically mark it as an antique piece.

[- Reference: ke-furniture.com]

Whats Available in the Market (prices are rough estimates and not the actual cost)

A double-door gate dating back to over 200 years made from elm wood costs over $2000.

A pair of Chinese antique horseshoe chairs of the late 1800s costs nearly $700 for both.

An arm bench without a back from the 19th Century costs up to $500.

A Chinese-style leisure chair covered with rattan or a folding chair can be yours for about $600.

Chinese flat beds (maybe covered with rattan) cost about $1000. The Opium Bed varieties of a large size cost more above $1000.

Writing desks, altar tables, and TV cabinets all these range from $700 to up to $900, depending on their size, the wood from which it is made, and the age.

You can enhance the beauty of your living room with a low coffee table with beautiful designs on the tabletop (up to $300).

There are lots more pieces that will appeal to you rounded stools, large rosewood armoires, teak tables, sturdy storage trunks, beautiful cabinets, wooden screens, etc. Just keep in mind your budget and dont forget shipping costs! Also, make sure that you buy from a creditworthy source.

Tip: If you come across a piece of Chinese furniture with a beautiful pattern, do ask about the significance of the pattern- there are certain patterns which symbolize luck, others wealth, yet others happiness, and some a combination of all.

Maintenance Advice for Chinese Furniture

Do not directly expose any piece to the harsh rays of the sun or hot vibes from radiators and air conditioners.

Do not shove around the furniture in a casual way.

Do not try to eliminate a stain with a pitcher of water. Just use a slightly wet cloth.

Do not be overly enthusiastic to make the wood shimmer by constantly using furniture wax. Only use it when it has really faded away.

Sprays are easier to use, but experts warn against using furniture wax in its spray form. Instead, they recommend the use of good quality furniture beeswax.

Follow these maintenance tips and your dainty but sturdy Chinese furniture will surely celebrate a double centurion birthday!

Note to the reader: The author of this article is no furniture expert! So do consult one before putting down dollars for any piece of Chinese furniture. This is advised in order to understand if you are buying a genuine piece and not merely getting conned. Remember: Knowledge is Wisdom!

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