The development of traditional Chinese furniture went from the simple to the intricate, and was closely linked to the Chinese lifestyle and cultural and economic changes in China.In early ancient, most of Chinese people sat on straw mats on the floor. After the Warring States period, beds and couches began to come into widely use as seating. After few years later, Western-style chairs, folding stools, and other seating gradually entered China. From this point on, Chinese everyday living began to be conducted from chairs rather than sitting cross-legged on the floor. Straw mats came to be used as coverings for beds and couches.
1. As in traditional Chinese architecture, wood is the major material used in the manufacture of furniture. This was in response both to needs arising from Chinese lifestyles, and to China's rich forest resources.
2. Bamboo and rattan furniture also have a long history. Bamboo is a product unique to Asia, and is an especially developed industry in Taiwan. Simple techniques are used to make clever and useful products. Bamboo may be used in combination with other materials, such as wood, rattan, metal, and ceramic tile, in endless variation. Much bamboo and rattan furniture is exported to Europe and the United States, where it enjoys great popularity.
3. Traditional Chinese furniture is generally
arranged in symmetrical suites or sets. These are, however, supplemented with
other more flexible arrangements to prevent the room from having too staid an
atmosphere. For example, paintings or examples of calligraphy might be hung on
the wall; ceramic, enamel or other knick-knacks might be placed in an antique
display cabinet; or flower arrangements made of jade or stone might top a square
occasional table. Any or all of these can add splashes of color and elegant form
to the room. These delicate additions set off the heavy furniture to give a rich
composite effect.
