One. Classical furniture is divided into five categories.
Chinese classical furniture can be broadly categorized into "five main types" based on their intended use: bed and sofa, table and desk, chair and stool, cabinet and shelf, and miscellaneous items.
The value of traditional Chinese furniture extends beyond its practical use, encompassing the diverse artistic styles that have emerged in specific environments over different periods. It comprehensively reflects the production and technological advancements, lifestyle, values, aesthetic preferences, and material development of various historical stages.
Two. What does classical furniture typically include?
(1) Bedding-related
Chinese traditional beds have a long history and diverse types, including the "Ba Bu Bed," "Jia Zi Bed," "Luo Han Bed," and "Gu Fei Tat." Beds and tatts had distinct functions in ancient times. Beds, with their larger size, were primarily used for sleeping, while tatts, with their smaller size, could be used for both sitting and sleeping.
1、Stair Stringer
Also known as "Eight-Step Bed" or "Step Bed", this is a fully functional bed. The pull-out bed is one of the largest types of beds in traditional Chinese furniture, resembling a small, independent house.
2、L-shaped bed
Also known as a stud bed, this type of bed has a variety of forms and can be divided into: four-column beds, six-column beds, and archway bed frames, etc. These beds have surrounding barriers and are designed cleverly.
3、Wooden bed (platform)
The Lohan bed is one of the oldest types of bedding, evolving from the "tat" (a traditional Japanese sleeping mat). It is suitable for both sitting and lying down, and was traditionally used for receiving guests.
4、Four-Poster Bed
The Guifei Tu is a type of bed, also known as the "Beauty's Bed," traditionally used by women for resting. It can be used both sitting and lying down, with a relatively narrow surface. Due to its exquisite craftsmanship, it is named "Guifei Tu." The Guifei Tu can be divided into two styles: single-head and double-head.
(ii) Tabletop products
Table and desk-type furniture have been common in traditional home furnishings, offering both functionality and the ability to showcase the product's design. There are various types of table and desk furniture, including square tables, round tables, desks, dining tables, and eight-person tables.
1、Tabletops, serving surfaces
A dining table refers to a long, rectangular table commonly used for offering incense, food, and other items in religious ceremonies and daily worship. These tables are often found in temples, ancestral halls, and living rooms. Modern dining tables and offering tables are primarily used in homes for placing items in living rooms or entrances.
2、Square tables, round tables, crescent-shaped tables
(1) Eight-Person Table: This refers to a square table with equal side lengths, typically seating eight people. It is also commonly known as the "Eight-Person Table." Traditionally, Eight-Person Tables were primarily placed in the central area of the living room, often with an accompanying offering table or altar behind the table.
(2) Round Table: Round tables are commonly used for family dinners and entertaining guests. They are typically placed in the center of the dining room. There are two main types of round tables: round tables and crescent-shaped tables.
(3) Crescent Table: The crescent table consists of two semi-circular tables that can be arranged separately or symmetrically, placed against a wall near a window to hold items such as vases and decorations. It is commonly used in smaller spaces and bedrooms.
3、Desks, writing desks, drawing tables, piano tables
These types of desks were primarily used by scholars and artists for painting, reading, and writing.
4、Fragrant、Dining table、Dining table、Coffee table、Several、Proposal
This type of furniture is used on the left and right sides of tables and is primarily intended for placing items such as flowers, vases, and decorative figurines.
(III) Chairs and Stools
Chairs and stools are the most common types of furniture, with a wide variety of styles. Stools include round stools, square stools, step stools, footstools, and benches. Chairs include official chairs, imperial chairs, cross-legged chairs, circular chairs, and imperial chairs. Thrones are exclusive seating for emperors.
1、Bench
A stool is a seating device without a backrest, and is widely used.
2、Chair
Traditional Chinese chairs, primarily referring to seating with a backrest and armrests used in daily life.
(1) Chair: The chair legs are crossed, and it is foldable, used by those of high status during hunting, marching, or warfare. It is a symbol of power.
(2) The Taishi Chair: The only chair in classical furniture named after an official title, symbolizing power and status.
(3) Guanmao Chair: Named for its resemblance to ancient official hats, this chair comes in two varieties: the four-headed Guanmao chair and the Southern Guanmao chair.
(4) Round Chair: Originating from the Tang Dynasty, this chair features a rounded top and a square bottom, with a circular back connected to armrests. It is a chair that naturally slopes from high to low.
(5) Rose Chair: Also known as the "Lady's Chair," this was a traditional seating option for women in ancient times. Sitting on this chair promotes an upright and proper posture, reflecting the refined upbringing of a lady.
(6) Pendant Chair: A type of backrest chair, characterized by its upright and upward design, simple and elegant appearance, and is a representative piece of furniture from the Ming Dynasty.
(7) Imperial Throne: A standard piece in feudal society, specifically designed and used by the emperor.
3、Bench
The emperor's throne, a seat traditionally used by ancient emperors, symbolizes their supreme authority and status.
(IV) Cabinet Shelf Type
Shelving furniture is a type of furniture used for storage and display of items.
1、Top cabinet
The upper cabinet consists of two parts: the upper cabinet and the lower cabinet. It is a large piece of furniture commonly found in classical furniture, which can be arranged as a pair or separated into two individual units.
2、Grid system
The furniture, which consists of a grid-like structure divided into multiple compartments, can be used to display and store items.
3、Square and round-corner cabinets
A rounded corner cabinet is a cabinet with a "small top, large bottom" design, offering strong practical functionality for storage.
4、Bright Edge Cabinet
The shelving unit is positioned above the cabinet, with the shelves level with or slightly above the top of the cabinet. The central opening allows for easy viewing of items, while the cabinet provides storage space with its center of gravity located below, ensuring stability.
5、Moisture-Resistant Cabinet
"En-door cabinets typically feature a desk-like structure, with drawers on top and cabinets below for storage."
(V) Miscellaneous Items
Chinese classical furniture "Miscellaneous Items" includes: writing cabinets, pen stands, storage boxes, screens, ink boxes, pot stands, and mirrors.
Storage-related items primarily include: desk organizers, book cases, wardrobe boxes, and stationery boxes, as well as various other storage containers and trays.
Common types of screens include: hanging screens, floor screens, and bed screens, etc.
Racks include: clothes racks, sink racks, and more.
Decorative items mainly include: pen holders, sculptures, and game containers, etc.
1、Storage
(1) Bookcase: A traditional storage solution for books, convenient for carrying when traveling.
(2) Wooden Chest: Historically used for everyday purposes, this small chest was used by women for storing and organizing personal grooming and cosmetic items. It is a very practical item.
(3) Inking Slab: A tool used by ancient officials to hold and apply seals.
(4) Dong Cheng Pan: In traditional Chinese stationery, used to store writing implements such as ink, paper, and brush rests.
(5) Retrieval: Lifting-type, a traditional container used by ancient people for storing items.
2、Screen-related items
A screen is a piece of furniture used in traditional homes to block views.
3、Jigs and fixtures
(1) Clothes rack: A rack used by ancient people to hang clothes.
(2) Sink Support: A functional furniture piece designed to support sinks and hold towels.
(3) Vanity: A piece of furniture with a mirror mountable on top and storage space below, designed with great ingenuity.
(4) Footrest: This is a small piece of furniture traditionally used by people in China to provide support for their feet while sitting.
4、Decorative Items
Decorative items such as pen holders, ink boxes, bottle stands, plate racks, chess containers, flower vases, and sculptures combine aesthetic and functional properties.