Relevant categories: Tables,Seating and Chairs,Desks,Cabinets and Chests
Chinese antiques have a unique look that makes them a very popular niche among collectors. Chinese furniture, furnishings, art and pottery developed independently of western influence up until around the 10th century and dates back as far as 1000 BC. Before the 10th century, the Chinese mostly used low furniture, in the traditional style, eating around low tables while sat on the floor on purpose-made mats. After this period Chinese furniture gradually moved to taller designs, more recognisable as western-style chairs, tables, beds and cupboards, while keeping the classic Chinese look.
Early examples of Chinese antique furniture were finished by polishing the wood but by the song dynasty, they started to use lacquer to add a high gloss and to protect and increase the life of the piece. These items were originally only made for the imperial court due to the cost, however, by the 19th century the were more widely available to the masses, if a lot more expensive.
Probably the most well-known form of Chinese antiques is their art and more specifically, their pottery. This form of Chinese antiques date as far back as the Palaeolithic era. The fact that the ancient Chinese started making these items so early in history, explains why they ended up being so good at it, and why these items are so desirable today. In fact, Chinese ceramics were so highly prized around the world that the word ‘china’, in reference to ceramic ware, made its way into mainstream English.
Chinese antique ceramics eventually split into two main categories- those made for the imperial court and those made for the populous or for export, the imperial items being the most desirable to modern collectors.
With such a long and varied history, Chinese antiques offer a rich selection of valuable collectables. From exquisitely carved and polished furniture to intricate and masterfully crafted ceramics and art pieces, all of which were created using technology far in advance of anything else of their time, there is always something exciting and unique to be discovered.
Our Canonbury Antiques Hertfordshire showroom is open to the public and is conveniently located just 25 minutes north of London in the Hertfordshire countryside. Much of our range of Chinese antiques is on display here so please get in touch for an appointment - please contact us first ahead of coming as we have some stock in storage so we can bring it to the showroom for a viewing with some warning.
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