China is a country with a long history and developed civilization. Classical Chinese furniture developed from ancient time and has long been considered a highlight of rich China cultural heritage.

     Fine lacquered wooden furniture had already appeared as early as the Han Dynasty (B.C 206 – A.D 220). In Northern and Southern Dynasties (A.D 420 – 589), the Chinese began to change the habit of kneeling or sitting crossed-legged on a platform to sitting with legs pendant on a stool. This gave rise to furniture of level height. During the Song and Yuan dynasties, carpentry skills had reached a high standard including its exquisite carvings, precision joinery and the use of very precious valued hardwood, sources mostly from local but some were imported from the southern Asia countries today known as Burma, Vietnam, Thailand etc. During Ming dynasty, the hardwoods sourced even as far as South East Asia, India etc.

     Historical documents demonstrate that pre-Ming furniture making was already well developed both in skill and design, but very little has survived. Although from Ming and early Qing times, this is consider the Golden Age of classical Chinese furniture, even with ample supply of precious hardwood wood and superb craftsmanship, little only have been preserved from the large numbers that were made respectively. Pieces from this period are high–valued antiques and today is extremely hard to find any. It is necessary to be a connoisseur to evaluate and collect such pieces.

     Ming designs (1368 – 1644) is characterized by a simple, elegant structure with fluent lines and pleasing proportions that fully bringing out the special qualities of furniture frame-structure. Precise and solid joining with a tight mortise and tenon structure and the use of plain and elegant ornamentation also formed a distinct artistic style. Metalwork such as hinges, handles and lock plates etc were also develop to complement the graceful design of each pieces. These were no longer simply functional items of furniture but had become objects of beauty even in modern home today.

     Great emphasis was also placed on the use of the natural beauty of the wood grain like Huanghuali, Zitan. Heitan and Jichimu together with adopting latticework and openwork carving make it even more unique and precious. Hardwood furniture was frequently found in the homes of wealth, but was even more common in the homes of nobles and officials.