Text: Shepherd Boy
Edited by Shepherd Boy
Ancient Chinese furniture is a delicate work of art, carrying the weight of history and cultural accumulation. Their beauty lies not only in their practicality, but also in their unique carving technology and profound cultural connotation. Walking among the ancient furniture, it is as if you have traveled through the long river of time, and feel the hard work and ingenuity of generations of craftsmen.
The origins of furniture in ancient China can be traced back to the Stone Age, which is ancient times. At that time, people's living environment was mainly caves, and the furniture was only simple stone benches, stone tables, etc. These rudimentary pieces of furniture are mainly designed to meet the basic needs of sitting and sleeping, and are simple and crude.
With the development of society and the progress of human civilization, people have begun to gradually explore and utilize more materials, especially wooden materials. The use of wood provided more possibilities for furniture making, which gradually contributed to the diversification and development of furniture in ancient China.
By the Shang and Zhou dynasties, Chinese furniture styles had become significantly rich and distinctive. In the Shang Dynasty, due to the prosperity of society and the development of trade, the production technology of furniture was also greatly improved. The furniture of this period was mostly practical, with strong practicality and durability, and common furniture types included chairs, stools, tables, etc.
In the Zhou Dynasty, with the establishment of the feudal system, the production and use of furniture became more refined. Aristocratic families began to pay attention to the decoration and luxury of furniture, and the materials and craftsmanship of furniture were also more exquisite. The furniture of this period often had a strong sense of etiquette and ritual, reflecting the hierarchy and symbols of power in feudal society.
And by the Qin and Han dynasties, ancient Chinese furniture reached its peak. In the Han Dynasty, the furniture making technology was more mature, and the styles and types of furniture were further enriched. The use of wood carving, lacquerware and other crafts makes the furniture more gorgeous, and the furniture of the aristocratic family is even more splendid, fully demonstrating the prosperity and wealth of ancient Chinese civilization.
The carving craftsmanship of ancient Chinese furniture can be described as unparalleled. From the ornamentation to the structure, each place is infused with the wisdom and ingenuity of the craftsmen. In ancient times, furniture was often made of wood, and the texture and texture of the wood also directly affected the carving effect of the furniture. The exquisite carving makes the surface texture of the furniture rich and diverse, some are as smooth as landscape paintings, some are bionic and vivid plant patterns, and some depict traditional stories and myths and legends, each carving reveals the craftsmanship and skill of the craftsman.
In ancient China, furniture carving was a comprehensive skill, which not only tested the craftsmanship of the carver, but also incorporated cultural, historical and aesthetic factors. For example, the common dragon and phoenix ornaments on court furniture symbolize imperial power and auspiciousness, while the life patterns such as flowers, birds, insects and fish on folk furniture reflect people's love and yearning for nature.
The structural design of ancient furniture is also an important part of the carving process. Through the carving and combination of wood, ancient craftsmen were able to create a variety of unique furniture forms, such as mortise and tenon structures, carved tenons, etc. These structures not only ensure the stability and durability of the furniture, but also add beauty and decoration.
In ancient China, the carving process of furniture was not only a practical skill, but also an artistic expression and cultural inheritance. Through the carving of furniture, people can get a glimpse of the social style and people's lifestyle at that time, and feel the craftsmen's pursuit of beauty and the cherishing of traditional culture.
Today, the materials and craftsmanship of furniture have changed a lot, but the carving process of ancient furniture is still respected and inherited. Many furniture makers still draw on ancient carving techniques and apply them to modern furniture design, making furniture not only practical, but also artistic and culturally valuable. Therefore, the carving process of ancient furniture can be said to be a treasure of Chinese civilization and a highlight of traditional Chinese craftsmanship.
Furniture carving in ancient China is a exquisite craft, but more importantly, it carries a rich cultural connotation, and is the inheritance and expression of history, religion, philosophy and other aspects. The various decorations on the furniture are not just decorations, but a spiritual symbol, reflecting people's yearning for life, awe of nature and the pursuit of beauty.
The common dragon pattern, phoenix pattern and other patterns on the furniture represent the royal dignity and authority. The dragon is regarded as the supreme symbol of China, symbolizing the authority and divine power of the monarch, so it is often seen on royal furniture. The phoenix symbolizes auspiciousness and beauty, and is often juxtaposed with the dragon, implying the harmony of monarchs and ministers, and the peace of the country and the people.
Floral ornaments such as chrysanthemums, plum blossoms, etc., carry the meaning of wealth and auspiciousness. In Chinese culture, the chrysanthemum is regarded as a symbol of innocence and perseverance, and often appears on the furniture of literati and scholars, representing noble character and tenacious spirit. Plum blossoms, on the other hand, are regarded as strong and pure flowers for their pride in winter, and are often used to symbolize a gentleman of high character.
The ornaments such as landscapes and character stories on the furniture inherit the wisdom and philosophy of traditional Chinese culture. Landscape painting has a profound influence on Chinese culture, representing people's awe of nature and the beauty of scenery, and is often used to decorate furniture to make people feel the beauty of immersion. The character stories reflect the rich connotation of traditional Chinese literature, often using historical stories, myths and legends as themes, implying good wishes such as family harmony and prosperity of children and grandchildren.
The ornamentation presented by ancient Chinese furniture carving is not only a decoration, but also a cultural inheritance and expression. These ornaments carry people's yearning for a better life, reflect the aesthetic taste and life attitude of the ancients, and are also the precipitation and inheritance of history, religion, philosophy and other aspects. Through the ornamentation on the furniture, people can glimpse the spiritual world and cultural heritage of the ancient Chinese, and feel the profound connotation of that history.
Ancient Chinese furniture has a long history, and Ming and Qing dynasty furniture is one of the bright pearls. In this long history, the Ming and Qing dynasties are undoubtedly the heyday of China's furniture development, and the production process of furniture has reached a new height, and the style has become increasingly mature. The furniture of the Ming and Qing dynasties represents the pinnacle of ancient Chinese furniture art, and its exquisite craftsmanship and unique style are deeply loved and respected by people.
Ming-style furniture is known for its stable structure and fine carving. The production process of Ming-style furniture is very exquisite, and each piece of furniture is carefully designed and strictly made. One of its characteristics is the simplicity and stability of the lines, and the sturdy and durable structure shows the skill of the ancient craftsmen and the exquisite use of materials. The Ming-style mahogany furniture is a bright pearl in the Ming-style furniture, its selection of materials is exquisite, the craftsmanship is exquisite, the carving is delicate, known as the ancient furniture in the artwork, very collectible.
Qing Dynasty furniture paid more attention to practicality and craftsmanship, with more exquisite carvings and smoother lines. On the basis of retaining traditional craftsmanship, Qing Dynasty furniture also absorbed the influence of foreign culture, forming a unique Qing Dynasty furniture style. One of the most representative is Qianlong Huanghuali furniture. Qianlong Huanghuali furniture is famous for its exquisite carving, and is known as the "king of Ming-style furniture". Its carving is fine, the lines are smooth, and the momentum is magnificent, which can be called a masterpiece in the work of art.
Ming and Qing dynasty furniture represents the pinnacle of ancient Chinese furniture art. Its exquisite craftsmanship and unique style not only reflect the wisdom and skills of ancient craftsmen, but also show the treasures of ancient Chinese culture. These precious furniture works not only have high artistic value, but also an important carrier of the traditional culture of the Chinese nation, which is of great significance for the study of ancient Chinese society, economy and culture.
With the continuous change of the trend of the times, the traditional craftsmanship of ancient Chinese furniture is increasingly valued and protected. This is reflected not only in the growth of collection and research, but also in the inheritance and development of ancient furniture-making techniques. More and more people are beginning to realize the historical, cultural and artistic value of ancient furniture, so it is becoming more and more important to preserve and pass it on.
The collection and study of ancient furniture has become a fashion and trend. People have a strong interest in the unique charm of ancient furniture, not only because of their practicality, but also because they carry a rich historical and cultural connotation. More and more collectors, art lovers, and cultural scholars have joined the ranks of collecting and studying ancient furniture, which has promoted the development of this field.
The inheritance and development of ancient furniture-making techniques have also attracted widespread attention. Many traditional furniture-making techniques, such as wood carving, lacquer art, inlay, etc., have been inherited and developed in modern times. Some skilled craftsmen and traditional workshops carry forward the ancient furniture-making skills through modern management and technical means, maintaining the essence of traditional craftsmanship, while constantly innovating to meet the needs of the modern market.
Some contemporary furniture designers have also innovated on the basis of ancient furniture, combining traditional craftsmanship with modern aesthetics, and launched many novel and traditional Chinese furniture works. They do not stick to tradition, but draw on the essence of ancient furniture, adding contemporary design concepts and materials, so that the classic and modern are seamlessly integrated in their works.
The protection and innovation of this traditional craft of ancient furniture not only provides people with more home choices, but also injects new vitality into the inheritance and innovation of traditional Chinese culture. With the continuous change of social development and people's aesthetic concepts, it is believed that ancient furniture will continue to play an important role in contemporary life and continue to bring joy and surprises to people.
Ancient Chinese furniture is an important part of traditional Chinese culture, and its carving craftsmanship and cultural connotation are breathtaking. Approaching ancient furniture, feeling their charm and history, in these classics, we can not only see the wisdom and skills of craftsmen, but also experience the ancient Chinese people's aesthetic pursuit of life and cultural inheritance. May the beauty and value of ancient furniture be passed on forever and cherished and praised by future generations.