Chinese Antiques 中国古董

China's top antique furniture was made in the last two dynasties of Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) and Qing Dynasty (1644-1912) furniture, using Hall or Chamber Furniture to highlight the reasons for changes in the general style and materials used.

The main similarity over the two dynasties was the superb craftsmanship. Also, the best wood available was always used, regardless of future consequences for the environment. Because the best timber was used by the best craftsman, pieces from these eras survived the test of time and are still desirable today.

In the later Qing Era furniture was bigger in size. With greatness, pomp, and almost gaudy embellishments, carvings are elaborate and featured fashionable openwork. 

This beautiful Chinese antique bedside furniture is composed into 3 different cabinets, each can be opened separately.
In the two cabinets at the side, there are one inner drawer inside of each.

Dovetailing was another method used to join wood (imagine interlocking fingers). Nowadays both joints are still used on quality furnishings. The importance of these joints are that they are simple, strong and because of the perfect fit with no glue needed, the wood can expand and contract according to humidity.