Archive for category Chinese Furniture
Imperial Rector’s Chair
Posted by ancient chinese culture in Chinese Furniture on March 26, 2011
The Imperial Rector’s Chair, also called Taishi Chair or Grandfather Chair, is a kind of chair with straight back and arms. They are large in size and usually placed in pairs with a tea table in between the two chairs.
The chair appeared in the Song Dynasty (960–1279). It was said that it was presented as a gift to Qin Hui (1090–1155), the prime minister and imperial rector and then it was given the name of the Imperial Rector’s Chair. Read the rest of this entry »
Tea Table
Posted by ancient chinese culture in Chinese Furniture on January 27, 2011
Tea table, also called Chaji in Chinese, is a kind of Chinese traditional furniture. It is a rectangular, low table which is usually designed to be put in front of a sofa. People usually put cups, tea utensils, fruit plates and other items, like beverages, magazines, books, etc on it. Tea tables may also be used as cabinets for storage and usually can be found in the living room.
Its history can date back to the period of Ming Dynasty (1368~1644). According to the ancient records, tea table developed from Xiangji (incense stand). At the end of the Qing Dynasty (1636~1911), tea table separated from Xiangji and became a new kind of furniture. Till now, it is used in the daily life quite often. Read the rest of this entry »
Wedding Bed
Posted by ancient chinese culture in Chinese Furniture, Wedding Traditions on January 7, 2011
In ancient China, it is a custom for parents to prepare a dowry for their daughters. The dowry will be sent to the groom’s family a few days before the wedding. The dowry consists of an amount of practical items, including money, clothes, bed, etc. It is not only a blessing to the parents’ own daughter and their son in-law but also a symbol of the status and wealth of the bride’s family.
Wedding Bed is one of the most important dowry items as it is a typical representative of the bride’s family’s social and economic status. Read the rest of this entry »
Folding Screen – Ping Feng
Posted by ancient chinese culture in Chinese Furniture on August 4, 2010
Folding screen, also called “ping feng” in Chinese, is an indispensable part of traditional Chinese furniture. It consists of at least two frames connected by hinges and most of the frames are covered with paper, silk, wood or other materials.
Folding screen has a long history which can date back to the period of Western Zhou Dynasty (1046BC~771BC). It reached its height during the period of Ming and Qing Dynasties (1368~1911).
Originally, folding screen was only used by Emperor and it was usually put behind emperor’s throne symbolizing the imperial power. Later, it became a piece of commonly found indoor furniture, using for providing shelter, partitioning off a space, and decorating the room. It also can be moved around easily.
However, folding screen is more than a piece of furniture. In ancient China, an unmarried young lady was not supposed to be seen by male strangers. When a man paid a visit, the lady could only take a peek at him behind a folding screen. And she would be completely concealed. If the lady had a good impression of him, they would meet each other later. If they got on well, they might get married at last.
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