I. Introduction to Classical and Modern Furniture
1、Traditional Chinese furniture
Traditional Chinese furniture primarily includes four major design styles: Chu-style furniture (from the Zhou dynasty to the Northern and Southern dynasties), Song-style furniture (from the Sui and Tang dynasties to the early Yuan dynasty and early Ming dynasty), Ming-style furniture (from the middle of the Ming dynasty to the early Qing dynasty), and Qing-style furniture (from the middle of the Qing dynasty onwards). Currently, traditional Chinese furniture available on the market mainly consists of Ming and Qing furniture.
Ming Dynasty furniture emphasizes practicality and simple designs. The backrests of chairs are designed according to the human body's curvature, without any superfluous parts. The concept of "one piece of wood" is also highly valued, which conserves materials. For example, the backrest of a chair may have at most one carved and translucent design in the middle, with proportions suitable for the human body.Qing Dynasty furniture, on the other hand, is characterized by intricate carvings and luxurious designs. While not particularly practical, the backrests are straight and bulky, making them suitable for display and collection.
2、What is neoclassical furniture?
Neoclassical furniture combines classic furniture styles with modern elements, catering to the aesthetic preferences of modern individuals. It offers simple and straightforward design, requiring minimal complexity. Neoclassical furniture is primarily divided into two categories: Chinese neoclassical furniture and European neoclassical furniture.
Chinese-style Neoclassical furniture departs from the traditional, serious, and heavy style of Chinese furniture. European-style Neoclassical furniture abandons the elaborate ornamentation that began with the Rococo style, while pursuing simplicity and natural beauty while retaining the lines and contours characteristic of European furniture. Whether Chinese-style or European-style Neoclassical furniture, the styles and details are different, but they always aim for comfort and a sense of the times.
3、Characteristics of modern furniture styles
Modern furniture can be categorized into various forms, such as panel furniture, inset furniture, folding furniture, inflatable furniture, and flexible furniture. based on usage characteristics, it can be divided into different forms, such as single-piece matching furniture, combination furniture, and fixed furniture; and based on appearance and design, it can be divided into different forms, such as square, rectangular, tall, and low. People can choose the dance form that best suits their interests, hobbies, and living space, considering factors such as height, width, and narrowness, to meet their practical and aesthetic requirements.
Modern furniture emphasizes natural aesthetics, avoiding excessive ornamentation and focusing on simplicity, minimalism, and elegance. It prioritizes highlighting the natural texture, color, and form of materials, showcasing their inherent beauty.
Modern furniture is not only a product of modern technology but also a pursuit of artistic design. It combines science and art, and integrates practicality with aesthetics. It is also referred to as a "functional art object."
Two. Distinctions between Classical Furniture and Modern Furniture
1、Different manufacturing processes: one utilizes primarily manual operations, while the other relies primarily on mechanical processing.
2、Material Changes: Modern furniture extensively uses man-made boards, and paints are primarily manufactured manually, rather than relying solely on traditional paints.
3、Furniture structures vary greatly: Excluding a small number of high-end mahogany furniture, the vast majority of modern furniture use furniture hardware, and the overall structure tends to be simpler.
4、Industrial-scale production: Components for modern furniture are now largely produced using standardized manufacturing processes in most factories.
5. Changes in furniture functionality: The emergence of many new furniture types, such as computer desks and TV stands with swivel chairs, have become prevalent.