Chinese furniture is known in the Western world for its gorgeous carvings, distinct look and for its use of natural materials.
It has evolved independent of Western furniture and so, the looks of tables, chairs, stools, beds, sofas etc.
in Chinese furniture have got a unique look not found commonly in the western world.
It is also the reason why they have become so popular once they reached the European and US markets.
However, the materials used for production of Chinese furniture vary a lot depending not only in the region where the furniture was made, but also on its function and whom it was to be made for.
The lifting of a ban on the import of tropical hardwoods during the late Ming Dynasty saw the introduction of luxurious woods like Zitan and Huanghuali, which were made into the finest furniture for the ruling classes.
The various types of Chinese furniture evolved mainly during three distinct time periods of history as early as 1000 B.
C.
Not only furniture but aesthetics as a whole in Chinese kingdoms and their rules started as early as 1000 B.
C- 1500 B.
C.
It has been seen that the furniture from that period of history mainly included woven mats which were placed on elevated floors near low tables.
These mats were also accompanied by arm rests at times for the royalty and noble class.
However, the most interesting change in Chinese Furniture came with the advent of Buddhism in 200 A.
D.
Instead of sitting on mats as used to be the case earlier, sitting on elevated floors directly became the tradition.
These elevated platforms also became a symbol of respect and people used to reserve them for elders, royal dignitaries, officials or special guests.
This gradually resulted in longer versions of elevated floors on which the dignitaries could also recline.
With time, it evolved into the daybed and bed which were now also made of wood instead of elevated floors.
Then taller versions of elevated floors were gradually developed which evolved into higher tables for keeping things.
Nomadic tribes especially those from West and North of China also contributed as they created folding tools and furniture for lightweight, flexibility as well as for transportation purposes.
As they needed to change locations quite frequently, these flexible and lightweight furniture helped them in moving their temporary shelters while traveling as they did not occupy much space and were also easy to carry.
However, modern Chinese furniture can be mostly dated back to Tang, Ming and Qing Dynasties.
This period saw a significant change in evolution of furniture as it was during their rule that they lifted the ban on imports of wood from other kingdoms.
It resulted in import of various types and large quantities of wood from different parts of Asia.
The use of these different kinds of woods including denser woods resulted in better and finer wood carvings and joining.
It was also during this period that different types of furniture such as round and also yoke back chairs were evolved which were mainly used by the royals and elites.
The two dynasties following the Tang Dynasty, Northern and then Southern Song, resulted in more evolution as various types of furniture including benches, chairs and stools were used more frequently which have now become integral part of Chinese furniture.
So, Chinese furniture has evolved through the ages and has always been independent of Western influence which resulted in their unique and distinct looks and carvings.