Chinese Provincial Furniture

Book excerpt: Focusing on provincial furniture of the early 1800s to early 1900s (late Qing Dynasty), this stunning book provides a detailed look at assorted chairs, benches, tables, storage pieces, beds, and screens originally created and used in eight Chinese provinces. Over 550 colour photographs and accompanying text detail the construction and artistic differences characterising these styles. Highly informative to collectors, dealers, and students of Asian furnishings, the book covers types of wood used, construction techniques, lacquer and other finishing processes, and original usage. Restoration and tips for care of antique furniture are also discussed. Descriptive captions include dimensions, circa dates, types of wood, and current market values for all pieces shown. Learning to authenticate classical antiques from China is becoming a necessity as facsimiles begin to appear in the marketplace. This book helps demystify the purchasing process and engenders an appreciation of lovely designs that blend wonderfully into contemporary homes.