On Ming and Qing dynasty furniture

Author: Tian Xiao
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2005-01-01
Features: Ming Dynasty furniture is generally referred to as "Ming-style furniture." Ming-style furniture primarily uses precious hardwoods from India, Myanmar, and Southeast Asia, such as zitan wood, huali wood, tilia wood, and acid wood. These woods have rich colors, beautiful grain patterns, and a hard, fine texture. The variety and style of Ming Dynasty furniture are rich and diverse, with the concept of complete sets of furniture already established, featuring matching furniture designed for different architectural spaces such as halls, bedrooms, and studies. The main characteristic of Ming Dynasty furniture is its use of wooden structural forms, creating unique shapes with simple, elegant, and unadorned designs. It emphasizes the lines and forms of the furniture, reflecting a bright and fresh artistic style. At the same time, Ming-style furniture fully showcases the beauty of the hardwoods' colors and grain patterns, avoiding excessive carving. To highlight the elegance of the lines, small-scale carvings are applied only in areas without compromising the overall effect. The structure is rational, and the design is beautiful, fully reflecting the outstanding level of "Ming-style" furniture.
The artistic style of Qing Dynasty furniture is entirely different from that of the Ming Dynasty. The main feature of Qing-style furniture is its heavy use of materials, with furniture being wider and larger in size compared to the Ming Dynasty. Another feature is its elaborate decoration, using techniques such as inlaying, carving, and painting, which give a sense of solemnity, stability, and luxury, forming a sharp contrast with the simplicity, lightness, and elegance of Ming-style furniture. Qing-style furniture primarily uses zitan and hongmu wood, combined with various craftsmanship techniques, forming a unique style known as "Qing-style furniture." The main production centers of Qing-style furniture are Beijing, Suzhou, and Guangzhou. Due to their distinct local styles, they are also referred to as "Jing-style," "Su-style," and "Guang-style," respectively. Jing-style and Su-style furniture retain more traditional Chinese classical forms, while Guang-style furniture, influenced by Western culture, has developed a unique style.
The appreciation of furniture is often categorized using the "Sixteen Qualities" and "Eight Deficiencies" to distinguish between good and bad, and beautiful and ugly. The purpose was twofold: first, to explain the simplicity and rusticity of Ming-style furniture, which was widely praised but could not fully capture its essence. Additionally, there were different qualities worth appreciating. These qualities were often identifiable and could be enjoyed directly, making them universally admired. Second, to point out that although the Ming and early Qing periods were the golden age of traditional furniture, not every piece was good. While it is not necessary to avoid discussing differing opinions, the best way to engage in lively discussion is to set up an appropriate environment, display the furniture for everyone to see, and allow for appreciation and evaluation.
Historically, furniture arrangements varied depending on the room. In halls, furniture was arranged symmetrically, which was fixed but sometimes rigid. In studies and living spaces, functionality was prioritized, with flexibility and variety. This created a contrast between symmetry and asymmetry, fixed and flexible arrangements. Contrast is better than lack of it, as it makes relative qualities more prominent. Moreover, the presence of contrast itself implies variation rather than monotony. While it is hard to imagine three or five-aisled halls in modern times, it is still possible to consciously combine symmetric and flexible arrangements, as both can be seen in contrast and variation.
The high level of Ming and early Qing furniture was achieved due to the use of precious hardwoods with dense textures, elegant colors, and beautiful patterns. Below, only five main varieties—huali wood, zitan wood, qiji wood, tilia wood, and wen wood—are discussed, with a brief mention of wen wood. Huali wood has a color that is neither too dull nor too flashy, with grain patterns that are subtle yet dynamic. It is also known as "Xiangxiang Huangtan" (fragrant yellow) or "Xiaoye Mu" (hypotensive wood). The wood chips soaked in water can lower blood pressure, and using wood chips as a pillow can alleviate muscle tension, reduce blood pressure and cholesterol, as documented in traditional Chinese medicine. It is no wonder that many furniture enthusiasts cherish this wood.
Among hardwoods, zitan wood has the hardest texture and heaviest weight, mostly dark purple-black, with some so dark they appear lacquered, almost invisible in grain. It is less ornate than huali wood but has a solemn and ancient elegance unmatched by any other wood. Qiji wood comes in two varieties: new and old. New qiji wood has a rough texture, alternating purple and black colors, unclear grain patterns, and rigid, unswirling lines. The wood fibers can also easily split or crack. Old qiji wood has a dense texture with varying shades of purple and brown, especially when cut longitudinally, displaying fine, floating grain patterns with a brilliant, shimmering luster like the neck feathers of a bird. Tilia wood, also known as "Tilia Mu" or "Tili Mu," grows to be the tallest among hardwoods.
Wen wood is not a species name but refers to the wood from the knotted, gnarled parts of old trees where tumors (wen) form. Beijing craftsmen call it "wenzi." The wood from these knotted areas always has swirling, dense grain patterns. Both Ming and Qing Dynasty classical furniture are solid wood furniture with mortise-and-tenon structures, so the properties of the wood determine the maintenance and care requirements. Classical furniture should not be placed in direct sunlight. When placing items on furniture, use a soft pad to protect the surface. Lift and move furniture gently in a vertical direction. The cloth used for cleaning should be clean, soft, and at an appropriate temperature to avoid leaving water droplets or streaks. Avoid using wet cloths for daily cleaning, and use coasters under water cups to prevent water marks. If stains or water marks occur, apply a small amount of wax—preferably a natural, oil-based wax, not chemical ones like Pledge. Since the furniture surface has no lacquer, it is best to choose an oil-based wax and regularly maintain it by waxing. At least once a month in dry seasons, and less frequently in humid seasons, adjusting for the season. This helps keep the furniture supple for a long time.
As time passes, a hard film may form on the furniture surface, reducing the frequency of waxing. Classical furniture should be maintained regularly, with waxing every quarter under normal conditions. If the furniture is old, professional restoration may be needed to protect its material and structural integrity. Avoid strong sunlight exposure to prevent changes in the wood's natural color. If small scratches appear, they can be removed by waxing. However, deep scratches or cracks require professional repair.
The expansion and contraction of furniture are normal, especially noticeable in regions with four distinct seasons. Generally, each piece of furniture stabilizes after undergoing four seasonal changes and becomes relatively stable.