Golden house hides auspiciousness. Fruitful union continues endlessly.

Author: Xia Feng
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-05-01
Features: This book is one in the "Treasures in Golden Houses Series," providing a concise discussion on various types of brackets (jiézi). These brackets have been collected from antique furniture, with the majority being from bed frames and a small portion from ancient architectural brackets. It examines the characteristics of different eras, the collecting experiences of various individuals, and price comparisons across different periods. The book fully demonstrates the treasure value that has been passed down to this day, making it an accessible and specialized guide for collectors. From brackets (jiézi), decorative knots (jiézi), and auspicious knots (jízi), it represents the evolution of nature, decoration, and culture. The term "bracket" (jiézi) carries a natural essence, "knot" (jiézi) implies artificial decoration, while "auspicious knot" (jízi) signifies a cultural leap.
Brackets (jiézi) are the "ancestors" that can be traced back to the low supports (ǎilǎo) on Ming Dynasty furniture. Their primary function is to connect elements like the round-rimmed stretchers (luoguo cheng), side panels (yábǎn), wide edges (dàbiān), and caps (mòtóu), providing support and stability. In Northern China, these are colloquially referred to as "low supports" (ǎilǎo). During the Qing Dynasty, the low supports on square tables evolved to incorporate rich content such as figures, animals, and flowers, blending functionality with decoration. With the rapid advancement of woodcarving craftsmanship in the mid-Qing period, brackets (jiézi) appeared in the form of floral knots and auspicious knots (jízi) in the homes and everyday items of ordinary people. They ranged from large structural supports (commonly known as "bull legs") and beam caps to smaller elements like windows, doors, and bed frames. The content had entered the realm of culture, mostly expressed through homophonic symbolism. Beyond the popular flowers and animals, the themes included divine stories, wishes for sons to succeed, and opera figures.
Brackets (jiézi) are divided into:
(1) Supporting brackets, which primarily serve the function of stability, commonly found in ancient architecture and Eight Immortals tables.
(2) Decorative brackets, which fill gaps and enhance aesthetics.
The brackets in this book are collected from antique furniture, with the majority being from bed frames and a small portion from ancient architectural brackets. This book is one in the "Treasures in Golden Houses Series," providing a concise discussion on various types of brackets (jiézi). These brackets have been collected from antique furniture, with the majority being from bed frames and a small portion from ancient architectural brackets. It examines the characteristics of different eras, the collecting experiences of various individuals, and price comparisons across different periods. The book fully demonstrates the treasure value that has been passed down to this day, making it an accessible and specialized guide for collectors. From brackets (jiézi), decorative knots (jiézi), and auspicious knots (jízi), it represents the evolution of nature, decoration, and culture. The term "bracket" (jiézi) carries a natural essence, "knot" (jiézi) implies artificial decoration, while "auspicious knot" (jízi) signifies a cultural leap.
Brackets (jiézi) are the "ancestors" that can be traced back to the low supports (ǎilǎo) on Ming Dynasty furniture. Their primary function is to connect elements like the round-rimmed stretchers (luoguo cheng), side panels (yábǎn), wide edges (dàbiān), and caps (mòtóu), providing support and stability. In Northern China, these are colloquially referred to as "low supports" (ǎilǎo). During the Qing Dynasty, the low supports on square tables evolved to incorporate rich content such as figures, animals, and flowers, blending functionality with decoration. With the rapid advancement of woodcarving craftsmanship in the mid-Qing period, brackets (jiézi) appeared in the form of floral knots and auspicious knots (jízi) in the homes and everyday items of ordinary people. They ranged from large structural supports (commonly known as "bull legs") and beam caps to smaller elements like windows, doors, and bed frames. The content had entered the realm of culture, mostly expressed through homophonic symbolism. Beyond the popular flowers and animals, the themes included divine stories, wishes for sons to succeed, and opera figures.
Brackets (jiézi) are divided into:
(1) Supporting brackets, which primarily serve the function of stability, commonly found in ancient architecture and Eight Immortals tables.
(2) Decorative brackets, which fill gaps and enhance aesthetics.
The brackets in this book are collected from antique furniture, with the majority being from bed frames and a small portion from ancient architectural brackets.